Waterford Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the government’s failure to support ambulance services and paramedics is putting lives at risk in Waterford City and County.

The leader of Sinn Féin on Waterford Council has urged support for his party’s motion, due to be debated in the Dáil on Tuesday, which calls on the government to urgently publish a multi-annual capacity and workforce plan to meet the needs of patients and improve the ability of the National Ambulance Service to save lives.

McGuinness said:

“My colleague and Sinn Féin Health spokesperson David Cullinane has brought forward a motion this week that calls on the government to take urgent action to address the crisis in ambulance response times. 

“80 percent of life-threatening incidents should be responded to by an ambulance within 19 minutes as per the HSE’s own standards. 

“Yet response times for these categories of incidents averages 33 minutes in the South East region last year, a 12 minute increase on comparable 2019 figures. 

“This constitutes a 57% increase in average response times, the second highest for any region in the state. These are averages for the most urgent categories of incidents, and many I’ll and injured patients wait much longer. 

“Last week I raised the lack of emergency ambulance cover for West Waterford due to Government failure address the retention and recruitment crisis in the National Ambulance Service, 

“A serious plan is needed if the Ambulance Service is to reverse the trend and improve outcomes.

“The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has failed to support our frontline paramedics, and in Budget 2023 Ministers Paschal Donohoe and Michael McGrath chose not to provide the funding needed to reverse the trend in ambulance response times.

“This has led to the burnout of frontline paramedics and has increased risk for patients due to increased response times.The increases in response times are stark and show that the Ambulance Service is under serious strain and pressure; exactly what paramedics have been warning for years.

“The National Ambulance Service currently has approximately 2,000 paramedics, and their workforce plan lays out a need for more than 1,300 more paramedics by the end of 2024 and a need to double the staffing composition to more than 4,000 by 2026.

“The National Ambulance Service needs more than 3,000 paramedics in the next four years to meet these targets, and they have warned that if these targets are not met, they ‘will have insufficient resources to respond to the projected demand, and as a result, 19-minute performance would be considerably less than 40%’.

“This is dangerous and is putting people’s lives at risk. Sinn Féin is calling on the government to urgently publish a multi-annual capacity and workforce plan to meet the needs of patients and improve the ability of the National Ambulance Service to save lives.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Government to ‘extend the ban on evictions until the end of the year’ as new figures reveal homelessness across Waterford City and County has soared to 74.

McGuinness said:

“The latest Department of Housing figures published today expose a shocking increase in the number of people who are homeless in Waterford. 

“Homelessness has reached a new high of 221 people for the South East region, including 15 families and 35 children. The official homeless figure of 74 for Waterford reflects an 8% increase on last January 

“This is a shocking situation and a sign of how devastating the housing crisis is for people across Waterford . Behind every number is people who are forced to feel the horrendous impact of this government’s failure to deliver on housing.

“Indeed, these figures do not record all adults and children in emergency accommodation funded by the state or not in receipt of any state funding. When all of these people are included the true figure will be much higher.

“What these figures don’t show are the numbers of individuals and families living in overcrowded, inadequate or unsafe accommodation or the amount of people couch-surfing while waiting for something to turn up.

“Many more people are faced with notices to quit; the imminent ending of the eviction ban; and the uncertainty and desperation trying to secure alternative accommodation when the rental market is in total disarray. 

“Today’s figures highlight the need for the Government to extend the ban on evictions until the end of the year. But they must also Introduce emergency measures to ensure that we are not back in the same place in December.

“We need an acceleration of the Councils tenant-in-situ scheme and its expansion to include cost rental. We need the Minister to use emergency planning and procurement powers to target vacant properties and new building technologies to increase and accelerate the delivery of additional social and affordable homes across Waterford.

“If the Government fails to act, homelessness numbers will continue to increase through the Spring and Summer in Waterford.”

Chuir leaschathaoirleach Fhoras na Gaeilge Conor D. McGuinness tús le Seachtain na Gaeilge ag ócáid speisialta in Aonach Urmhumhan i gCo. Tiobraid Árainn ar an Sathairn.

Dúirt McGuinness

“Beatha teanga í a labhairt – agus í a léamh, agus í a chanadh! Beidh ana-chuid imeachtaí Gaeilge ar siúl ar fud fad na tíre idir 1 – 17 Márta. Molaim do dhaoine freastal ar imeacht Gaeilge más féidir.

“Pé leibhéal Gaeilge atá agat, bain taitneamh asti agus déan iarracht cúpla focail a labhairt – sa mbaile, sa siopa, san ionad oibre, nó le cairde!”

“Is teanga bheo í an Ghaeilge agus is linne go léir í!”

Tá tuilleadh eolais ag http://www.SnaG.ie.

**********************

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2023 launched at Munster event

Vice-chairperson of Foras na Gaeilge Conor D. McGuinness was in hand to launch at a special event held in Nenagh on Saturday which was fronted by up-and-coming indie group Seo Linn.

McGuinness said:

“Language lives when we speak it, when we read it, when we sing it. There is a whole host of events and gatherings planned nationwide for this years Seachtain na Gaeilge, and all are encouraged to join the celebration!

“No matter your level of Irish the next few weeks gives you a great opportunity to enjoy the lá sugar and to use what you have!”

For more details visit http://www.SnaG.ie.

ENDS

a chairde Gael,

ba mhaith liom ar an gcéad dul síos mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le Sinn Fein Oirthear Chorcaí as ucht an cuiridh bheith anseo libh inniu agus óráid a thabhairt ag comóradh Laochra Cluain Molt. 

It it an honour for me to have been asked to address this commemoration and to stand here in front of you at the graves of these men. 

It is an honour because of the high esteem in which these fourteen volunteers and their comrades are held not just locally, not just regionally, but indeed across the nation. The Cork No. 1 Brigade and its 4th Battalion are well known and well respected – no more so than in my own area of West Waterford.

It is also an honour to me personally because of the great fondness and respect I have for my Sinn Féin friends and comrades here in East Cork. 

Today we gather to remember fourteen young men who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the Irish Republic. 

I was shown photographs of the 14 volunteers during the week – what struck me was their youth – these were fresh-faced young men, farm labourers, shop clerks, apprentices and worker – ordinary young me –  with their futures to look forward to. 

We think back on that turbulent time in our country’s history and we imagine that those who participated in that war against empire were titans, giants of men, battle-hardened war heroes and veteran guerrillas. 

Some were, but for the most part they were young men and women, in their late teens or early twenties – old head on young shoulders. They were fearless, determined, visionary, but they were young and they had their whole lives ahead of them. 

They were ordinary people doing extraordinary things – united in a vision for a brighter future. 

They were excited. They knew the future belonged to them, and they set about the work of shaping it. 

Their grandparent’s generation had starved under the yoke of empire. Their fathers and brothers had been mowed down at Gallipoli and the Somme as cannon fodder for the empire. Their mothers struggled under the enforced poverty that saw the wealth of their nation stripped by empire.

They knew what they were fighting for – they could see the goal of Irish freedom before them – and they were determined to achieve it – not just for the generations past but for the generations to come. 

On that fateful day in February 1921 20 IRA volunteers were preparing to vacate a house in Clonmult that they had been using as a staging post for their operations against British forces in the area. 

A party of British soldiers, Black and Tans and RIC surrounded the house, killing two sentries in the process. A gun battle ensued and a number of volunteers were shot and killed. The British set fire to the house and as volunteers escaped the fames they were shot down. Of those that were captured, three were put against a wall and shot by Black and Tans. A further two were later hanged in Cork Gaol. 

Killed that day were:

Óglach Michael Desmond, Óglach John Joe Joyce, Óglach Mick Hallihan, Captaen James Ahern, Óglach Dick Hegarty, Óglach Christopher O’Sullivan, Óglach David Desmond, Óglach Jeremiah Ahern, Óglach Liam Ahern, Óglach Donal Dennehy, Óglach Joseph Morrissey, and Óglach James Glavin.

Hanged at Cork Gaol on 28th April 1921 were:

Óglach Patrick O’Sullivan and Óglach Maurice Moore.

In remembering these men and their sacrifice we recommit ourselves to the cause of the independence, sovereignty and unity of Ireland and to a 32-County socialist republic based on liberty, equality and solidarity.

The savagery of the Tan war gave way to the savagery of the civil war and to the partition of Ireland. The republican ideal was trampled on by, one one hand, a Free State ruled by a political, financial and clerical elite, and on the other, by a sectarian Orange State that was build on sectarianism, persecution and division.

Partition not only divided our island and our people. It created two conservative states and economies, controlled and run in the interests of privileged elites, North and South. The vision of the Proclamation and the Democratic Programme as betrayed. Workers were to be exploited by new, native masters – while the wealth of the nation would be squandered not by absent British aristocrats but by a new Irish elite. 

Inequality was at the heart of the two states and we continue to live with that legacy.

In spite of all, the desire for liberty remained and the republican ideal survived.

The division of Ireland has held back our potential for too long. There is now a real opportunity to shape a better, more prosperous, more equal future.

We now have the means to achieve an economically strong, socially just United Ireland.

Unity is central to building a modern, inclusive, fair society and a country which can play its full part in the world. A nation home for all our people. 

East Cork has its part to play in delivering real political change. The message must go out loud and clear – if we want Irish unity, if we want an Irish republic worthy of the name – where workers and families come before vulture funds and speculators –  then we need to elect Sinn Féin to government. 

Sinn Féin is planning to run two candidates in East Cork at the next General Election. It is an ambitious plan, but we are determined to keep step with the people and with the huge demand for change. 

Success will require all shoulders at the wheel and I would appeal to everyone here to get involved. As Bobby Sands wrote  “everyone has a part to play; no part is too big or too small.”

Just like the Clonmult Martyrs and that generation of republican activists – we need to understand that we are capable of doing extraordinary things. That change has always been brought about in this way – by ordinary people stepping up to the plate and doing what’s necessary. 

Irish Republicans in 2023 are as determined as those who have gone before us to realise the vision of the 1916 Proclamation – an independent, united Ireland and a real republic built on the foundation stones of equality and social justice for all citizens.

While we take strength, courage and inspiration fro past generations – from the men buried here – like them, our eyes are fixed firmly on the future and on achieving the goal that they, and we, strive for.  

Tá uallach mór oibre le dhéanamh a chairde, agus beimíd ag braith ar a chéile chun ár dtionscadail stairiúl a chur i gcrích. 

Beir bua a chairde!

Up the Republic!

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has challenge councillors from all parties and none to back his call to Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to make the necessary funding available to Waterford City and County Council to begin the task of dredging Cé Heilbhic. 

Speaking at the February meeting of Dungarvan-Lismore district council McGuinness said:

“There is a live application for funding currently before the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and once again it is entirely in the Minister’s gift to approve the application or not. I would particularly urge councillors from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to challenge their own party colleagues in Government on this issue. 

There is a dire need for dredging at Cé Heilbhic. Fishermen are experiencing great difficulty in entering or leaving the harbour for some time, due to the build up of silt and sand. This situation is impacting the ability for local fishermen to effectively and safely carry out their work.

“Heilbhic is also strategically important due to the presences of the lifeboat station, which covers Dungarvan Bay and adjacent waters. There are concerns locally that the lifeboat may be unable to launch in an emergency situation – which puts lives at risk. 

“The build up of sand and silt at Heilbhic has taken place over several years and is getting worse as time goes on. Not only is it hampering the fishing industry locally, but it has also added more risk and hardship to an already dangerous occupation.

“As it stands, the Department of the Marine can provide funding to dredge harbours such as Cé Heilbhic, however they refuse to fund the necessary preparatory work that is legally required before dredging can take place – this includes assessments and planning that can sometimes cost as much as the dredging itself.

“The ball is firmly in the Government’s court on this issue. My hope is that all representatives for the area join with me in pressuring Minister McConalogue to approve this application and fund the dredging works for Cé Heilbhic.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for ‘immediate action’ and demandedgovernment address the recruitment crisis in An Garda Síochána.

Gardaí numbers have plummeted throughout Fine Gael’s time in charge of the Department of justice over more than a decade, despite growing populations and demand.

Speaking in Dungarvan, McGuinness said: 

“A report published in the Irish Independent presents in stark terms the recruitment and retention crisis in An Garda Síochána.

“One in four stations has seen a drop in staff, while 42 stations have no Garda permanently assigned to them.

“Waterford is not unaffected by these decreases, and this situation is exacerbated locally by force restructuring and by the fact that we no longer have a Joint Policing Committee. 

“The truth is Fine Gael has overseen a significant depletion in Garda numbers over their decade in power.

“When it comes to Garda recruitment, we have another case of this government setting big targets but falling way short on delivery. We can’t just accept more of the same from this coalition – we need change and we need to see immediate action to address the recruitment and retention crisis affecting An Garda Síochána. 

“There are simply not enough Gardaí to adequately police some areas, despite the very best efforts of those already working on the frontline.

“This creates real worry for people that their communities – both rural and urban –  are not protected from crime.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation that an application for funding Jigsaw youth mental health service to be provided with the resources necessary to open a dedicated community-based facility for young people across Waterford City and County.

McGuinness said: 

“I received confirmation this week that an application has finally been made for funding to establish a Jigsaw Mental Health service for Waterford. 

“Jigsaw is an early intervention, primary care service for young people’s mental health. It provides a range of mental health supports to young people across the state. While some of these supports are available online or remotely, Jigsaw is best known for its face-to-face services, provided out of centres in towns and cities throughout Ireland.  

“Waterford is the only city in the state that doesn’t have a Jigsaw service, nor is there a service anywhere in the South East. The closest Jigsaw services are in Thurles or Cork City. Young people from this part of the country are at a disadvantage, and I believe that Government should provide resources to Jigsaw to establish a base in Waterford to serve young people here. 

“I have raised the need for such a service as Waterford representative on the Regional Health Forum and I want to thank everyone who supported my call and signed the petition. 

“Thanks also to my colleagues David Cullinane T.D. and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward  T.D. for their advice and assistance.

“I will be lobbying hard for this application to be approved and for the service to be stood up as soon as possible.”

A Sinn Féin motion to Waterford Council calling for Coillte to halt its proposed venture with Gresham House, which would up to 50,000 hectares of land sold to a British-based private investment vehicle. The motion also called for the new forestry strategy to be published as a matter of urgency, for communities and farmers to be prioritised over foreign investment funds, and for immediate action to address the licensing backlog.

The motion was proposed by Sinn Féin councillor Conor McGuinness and seconded by his party colleague Jim Griffin. It secured the backing of all councillors with the exception of the two Green Party members who voted against, without contributing to the debate, proposing a counter motion or explaining their position. 

McGuinness said:

“This outrageous deal would result in an unprecedented sell-off of a precious natural resource. It is nothing less than a corporate land grab to line the pockets of large institutional investors at the expense of the Irish public and smaller local operators.

“Government have tried to pin all the blame on Coillte but this only tells half the story. Not only was Green Party forestry Minister Pippa Hacket aware of this deal since March 2021, but the Department of Agriculture actually issued a shareholder letter of expectation to Coillte giving the semi-state company a clear direction to engage in a deal of this nature.

“My motion motion calls on Government to publish a comprehensive new forestry strategy that would support a sustainable approach that would empower farmers, public bodies and communities to play a part rather than enriching investment vehicles.

“Instead of selling off huge tracts of land to investment funds we should be supporting communities, farmers and the public sector to support our afforestation targets instead of frustrating, delaying and preventing their involvement.

“This Government, with Green Party Minister Pippa Hacket in the driving seat, has seen Ireland fall far short each year on its annual afforestation target of 8,000 hectares per annum. In fact last year the figure was just over 2,000 hectares. This level of annual afforestation represents the lowest level since World War Two.

“For some reason, best know only to Minister Hackett and Minister McConnalogue the rate of afforestation has all but collapsed since this Government came into office. Applications for tree planting has been paused, with no new applications being accepted by the Department.

“Some, including a number of local councillors, have tried to mistakenly blame Coillte for the delays. The reality is the responsibility for licensing rests entry with the two ministers. 

“A cynic could be forgiven for thinking that smaller-scale and locally based forestry operators are being frustrated to facilitate the corporate-scale institutional investors.

“If we fail on forestry then we will fail on Climate Action. And, this government is drastically failing.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor McGuinness has said that over 400 people have signed a local petition demanding a public school bus service for secondary school students travelling between Ardmore and Dungarvan.

McGuinness said:

“Families from Ardmore, Clashmore, Grange, Kinsalebeg and surrounding areas are being put at a disadvantage because there is no public CIE school bus service operating between these area and Dungarvan. 

“Students are not being facilitated to attend a secondary school in their own county, and parents are being put under time and financial pressures to get them to and from school. 

“Parents and local representatives have been raising this issue for a long time with no success. It has been raised with Government representatives time and time again to no avail. It is now time to join together to demand change.

“Securing a public CIE school bus service would make a huge difference to parents and children by providing them with a transport service on par with that afforded to students in other parts of Co. Waterford.

“There is an excellent private service operating on this route, but it is clear that there is more than sufficient demand for a public service to also operate in order to increase seats and assist parents. 

The petition gathered 431 signatures from families in the area. It is addressed to Fianna Fáil Minister for Education Norma Foley and copied to Green Party Transport Minister Eamonn Ryan, Waterford Oireachtas Members and local councillors. 

The petition calls on the “Department of Education and Bus Éireann to provide an adequate CIE school bus service to Dungarvan for secondary school students from these parts of West Waterford.”

I goes on to say that “we believe that secondary school children and their families should not be put at a disadvantage when seeking to attend school in their own county, and that an urgent review is carried out on the decision not to provide a CIE school bus service to Dungarvan for our children.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed movement on a Local Area Plan for Dungarvan and Ballinroad and encouraged members of the public to have their say.

McGuinness said:

“I am glad to see movement towards developing a Local Area Plan for Dungarvan, Abbeyside and Ballinroad. There is a need for a well though out plan for the development of the urban area and its environs. This is the logical next step following the adoption of a new Development Plan for Waterford City and County last year. 

“The Local Area Plan will be based on the Development plan but will provide the opportunity for a more detailed and locally-focused strategy for how Dungarvan, Abbeysdie and Ballincourty develop  over the next six-years. 

“The availability of housing remain the biggest challenge facing us locally. The housing crisis is causing huge hardship to families and individuals and it has proven to be a barrier to economic development. 

“We also need to see greater investment in social and community infrastructure to serve the growing population. There is no stand-alone community centre in the area, we desperately need a family resource centre, and as our population ages we need to see a greater focus on infrastructure that supports older people. 

“There is a need to consider transport links and infrastructure as we map out a strategy for Dungarvan, Abbeyside and Ballinroad – and to ensure that the decisions we take are forward thinking, future-proofed and sustainable.

“I am very keen that people are empowered to have their voice heard on these issues. I have argued that the same format of in-depth public consultation that underpinned the development plan making process would be used again for the Local Area Plan. 

“The Council has issued a pre-draft issues paper, which can be viewed online at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/browse or in person at the Civic Offices and Library and the public are invited to make a submission up until 7th March. The Council is also hosting consultation meetings for individuals and groups between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 15th February in the Civic Offices.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has hit out at the failure to ensure an acceptable level of embergency ambulance cover for West Waterford. He made the comments having received information from within the National Ambulance Service (NAS) that that West Waterford was left without dedicated ambulance cover, with Waterford had only one emergency ambulance on duty.

McGuinness said:

“I have received information from within the NAS that clearly shows the impact of Government inaction on addressing the staffing crisis within out emergency ambulance service. 

“Documents that I have seen show that there was no ambulance operating from Dungarvan ambulance station last night (Sunday), while only one ambulance was available in Waterford City. The documents show that this roster is to be repeated several times this week”

“This means that there at certain times this week there will be no stand-by service for West Waterford, and one unit in Youghal will be expected to cover an area stretching from Midleton to Waterford City.”

“This simply isn’t good enough. NAS staff provide an excellent service. Our paramedics are second to none. They are also being let down by Government. The inaction of Minister Donnelly  when it comes to recruitment and retention of paramedics is putting lives at risk, and is putting ambulance workers under immense pressured leading to long, exhausting shifts.

“The Minister and NAS management have conceded that they need to double staffing levels, but have yet to see any significant step-change from Government. The Minister’s inaction is a scandal and needs to be called out before its too late.”

Urgent change needed to address persistent and stark failings in children and young people’s mental health services – McGuinness

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has criticised Mental Health Minister Mary Butler over the ‘persistent and stark failings’ identified in the interim report published this week by the Mental Health Commission.

The Waterford City and County Councillor said that urgent measures must be put in place without delay to ensure that patients are not left at risk in Waterford and across the state. 

McGuinness said:

“The publication of the Mental Health Commission’s Interim Report into CAMHS has shown that the situation has gone way beyond crisis point when it comes to our children’s mental health. Children in Waterford and across the state deserve better – urgent changes must be delivered to end the risks they face.

“Minister Butler cannot kick this issue to touch. The report is a damning indictment of Government inaction and neglect. It’s time for urgent change to address the persistent and stark failings identified in the report. 

“One of the major concerns identified in this report is ‘lost children’ which involves patients with open cases, who have been referred to services but then failed to receive the follow-up appointments they need such as a review of prescriptions or monitoring of medication.

“The Mental Health Commission also found that lack of governance in many areas is contributing to some inefficient and unsafe CAMHS services, including the failure to manage risk, failure to fund and recruit key staff. 

“It is clear that CAMHS is not working and that an urgent strategy is needed to tackle the crisis.

“Sinn Féin have outlined the key steps needed to ensure that CAMHS is reformed to give patients the high-quality and timely care they need.

“The immediate priority is to locate all the children who have been lost to follow up and to ensure that they have the appropriate mental health supports in place.

“We are calling for ring-fenced funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services within the health budget. We are also calling for the development of national standards for monitoring the use of anti-psychotic medications by children and young people. We also need to see an increase in education and training places in higher education to give us a pipeline of staff for our CAMH services. This will ensure safe staffing levels are delivered.

“The solutions are there if the political will is there. The government must now urgently consider Sinn Féin’s proposals.

“Children and young people in Waterford and across the state must get access to high-quality mental health support when they need it, without delay or excuses.

“Sinn Féin in government would prioritise delivering change in our healthcare system, so that mental health services are fit for purpose.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that its time for Waterford Council to ‘show some TLC’ to footpaths in residential areas and housing estates.

McGuinness said:

“My Sinn Féin colleagues and i have been instrumental in getting a standalone footpath repair and improvement line in Waterford City and County Council’s annual budget, hower it is high time the Council starting to show some TLC to footpaths in housing estates and residential areas. 

“There has been some great work done to improve footpaths and walkways in our town centres in the last two years, but we have seen little if any improvement in housing estate and the more residential streets of our towns. 

“I receive frequent calls from people that feel unsafe leaving their homes because of the state of the footpaths outside their doors. Often times these are older or infirm people who are unwilling to risk a trip or fall, which could lead to injury and hospitalisation.

“There was been a steady deterioration of footpath surfaces in many estates, and primarily in the older estates in Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Tallow and Lismore. The impact on this is that older people people with a mobility issue, or people pushing prams and buggies are less inclined to undertake short journeys by foot, and when they do, they are put at greater risk. 

“Its time that the Council’s focus shifted to these residential areas and this is what I will be calling for when Dungarvan-Lismore district councillors meet to discuss the Council’s annual works programme for 2023.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called for the Department of Children and TUSLA to make urgent provision for a Family Resource Centre in Dungarvan to serve the town and wider West Waterford Area.

McGuinness said:

“There is an urgent need for a Family Resource Centre in West Waterford. Its well known that Dungarvan has a shortage of community facilities, and is underserved when compared to towns of a similar size. The map of family resource centre locations shows a glaring gap corresponding with most of Co. Waterford. There is a triangle, stretching between Waterford City, Cashel and Midleton, in which there is no family resources centre available to the community, in stark contrast to the rest of the state. 

“These centres provide a community-based model of family support while building up capacity, skills and leadership in the community. This is done through providing information, support and advice; delivering education and training; developing and hosting community groups and clubs; and  providing counselling services and group supports. 

“Its inexplicable that Dungarvan and West Waterford has been left without a family resource centre, and I believe this imbalance needs to be remedied as soon as possible. I have written to the Minister for Children and TUSLA asking them to engage with the community about establishing a family resource centre as a matter of urgency.”

Conor D. McGuinness has joined the board of Waterford Volunteer Centre as a director. This is an unpaid, voluntary role and McGuinness has said that he is looking forward to working with staff, directors and service users to ensure continued good governance of the Centre.

Speaking to the Dungarvan Observer McGuinness said:

“Waterford Volunteer Centre is a an essential part of the community sector serving Waterford City and County. Volunteers provide so much to our communities and their contribution is invaluable, however sometimes the volume of regulatory and administrative work involved can simply be too much for community organisations to manage.

“The job of the Volunteer Centre is to strengthen and support all aspects of volunteering in Waterford through matching individuals who would like to volunteer, with non-profit organisations who involve volunteers in their activities. It also provides advice and support to both volunteers and non-profit organisations through a range of services including information, consultation, volunteer management training and Garda vetting administration.

“The board is made up of volunteer directors who give of their time to support this important work and to ensure the continued good governance of the Centre. 

“For my part I am looking forward to serving the community in this role, and to bringing my perspective as a West Waterford representative to the Centre. Although based based in Waterford City the Volunteer Centre does have a remit across the whole of Waterford, and i hope that my input can support that objective” he said. 

Waterford Volunteer Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee and a registered Charity. It is limited by guarantee and governed by a Board of Directors. It is a non-profit organisation and any profits are reinvested in the company. Waterford Volunteer Centre is part of the network of 29 Volunteer Centres and is affiliated to Volunteer Ireland.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has criticised Mental Health Minister Mary Butler over the ‘persistent and stark failings’ identified in the interim report published this week by the Mental Health Commission.

The Waterford City and County Councillor said that urgent measures must be put in place without delay to ensure that patients are not left at risk in Waterford and across the state.

McGuinness said:

“The publication of the Mental Health Commission’s Interim Report into CAMHS has shown that the situation has gone way beyond crisis point when it comes to our children’s mental health. Children in Waterford and across the state deserve better – urgent changes must be delivered to end the risks they face.

“Minister Butler cannot kick this issue to touch. The report is a damning indictment of Government inaction and neglect. It’s time for urgent change to address the persistent and stark failings identified in the report.

“One of the major concerns identified in this report is ‘lost children’ which involves patients with open cases, who have been referred to services but then failed to receive the follow-up appointments they need such as a review of prescriptions or monitoring of medication.

“The Mental Health Commission also found that lack of governance in many areas is contributing to some inefficient and unsafe CAMHS services, including the failure to manage risk, failure to fund and recruit key staff. 

“It is clear that CAMHS is not working and that an urgent strategy is needed to tackle the crisis.

“Sinn Féin have outlined the key steps needed to ensure that CAMHS is reformed to give patients the high-quality and timely care they need.

“The immediate priority is to locate all the children who have been lost to follow up and to ensure that they have the appropriate mental health supports in place.

“We are calling for ring-fenced funding for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services within the health budget. We are also calling for the development of national standards for monitoring the use of anti-psychotic medications by children and young people. We also need to see an increase in education and training places in higher education to give us a pipeline of staff for our CAMH services. This will ensure safe staffing levels are delivered.

“The solutions are there if the political will is there. The government must now urgently consider Sinn Féin’s proposals.

“Children and young people in Waterford and across the state must get access to high-quality mental health support when they need it, without delay or excuses.

“Sinn Féin in government would prioritise delivering change in our healthcare system, so that mental health services are fit for purpose.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness was the only West Waterford political representative to vote against a 10% increase in the LPT. Sinn Féin had instead proposed a 10% reduction in LPT for Waterford homeowners. The vote took place at the October meeting of Waterford City and County Council held last week in City Hall. 

McGuinness said:

“Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Green Party, Labour and Independent members of Waterford City and County Council voted to maintain the 10% increase in the Local Property Tax that was introduced last year. 

“Sinn Féin proposed a decrease of 10% to give homeowners in Waterford a break. In all, the five Sinn Féin Councillors and one independent voted against the 10% increase and for my counter proposal to give families and workers a break. 

“The LPT is a tax on the family home – it is unfair, regressive and penalises people for owning their home. It heaps more expense on top of families that are balancing mortgage payments, with increasing energy prices, and the overall the cost of living crisis.

“Government needs to recognise and value local government – they need to stop neglecting local services. The first step is to provide adequate funding to Councils, funded by progressive taxation that ensures those best able to pay actually cough up their fair share.

“Our Council is perpetually starved of resources by Government. We are still many millions away from undoing the harsh cuts imposed almost a decade ago by the Fianna Fáil/Green and Fine Gael/Labour austerity governments. Services are suffering and are being allowed to continue to suffer. The establishment parties and independents would rather put their hands in working peoples pockets than address the tax breaks, loopholes and sweetheart deals that mean our public services are consistently underfunded.

“Sinn Féin in Government will get rid of the LPT and ensure that councils are funded sustainably from the exchequer to ensure delivery of public services at local level.”

ENDS

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged TDs to back his party’s motion in the Dáil tomorrow to ensure households are protected from electricity and gas disconnections this winter.

The motion would introduce a ban on energy disconnections now and provide crucial protections for people who use pay as you go meters.

Speaking today, Cllr. McGuinness said:

“Households across Waterford are facing massive electricity bills this winter. People have been hit by price hike after price hike over the last eighteen months and are worried sick about whether they can keep on top of these spiralling bills.

“The government’s refusal to reduce and cap electricity prices at pre crisis levels is a big mistake. It leaves hard pressed households here wide open to further hikes and to the possibility of disconnection. As families face a long winter, they worry that they won’t be able to afford to keep the lights on.

“The government’s plan to introduce a ban on disconnections from December until February falls far short of what is needed. People can’t wait until December. They need to be protected from disconnection now. 

“This week Sinn Féin will use its Dáil time to bring forward a motion to introduce a ban on energy disconnection now.

“Our motion would also give certainty to the many people who use pre-pay electricity meters. Once their €20 emergency credit runs out, pre-pay customers are disconnected by default. Yet, the government still has no real plan to protect these households. It isn’t good enough. Our motion would ensure pre-pay meter customers get the same protection from electricity and gas disconnections. 

“The government can and must do much more to protect people across Waterford City and County from spiralling energy costs. The cost of living crisis is unprecedented and people need certainty that their bills will be affordable.

“This is an unprecedented crisis. The government needs to ensure that all households are protected from disconnection. 

“The government must ensure there is a ban on disconnections for all customers now and until the end of March.

“Sinn Féin will stand up for ordinary workers and families to ensure that they are protected from the cost of living crisis. People in Waterford can’t keep waiting, they need help and certainty from the government now.”

Are you, or someone you know, in crisis?

A mental health crisis often means that you no longer feel able to cope or be in control of your situation. You might be worried that you are at immediate risk of harming yourself, or someone else. You might need to try a few options before you find appropriate support but don’t give up trying – there is help available. If possible, ask someone to come along with you to the support service you contact.

Where to get help

A GP

A GP can offer support for anyone in crisis. If possible, ask someone to come along with you. Find a service near you:

• GP or health centre
• Out of hours GP service

HSE Mental Health Services

If you are being supported by a mental health team, or have been in the past, contact the service for support in a crisis.

Samaritans

Samaritans services are available 24 hours a day, for confidential, non-judgmental support.

• Freephone 116 123
• Email jo@samaritans.ie
• Visit www.samaritans.ie for more information

Pieta

Pieta provide a range of suicide and self-harm prevention services.

• Freephone 1800 247 247 anytime day or night
• Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
• Visit www.pieta.ie for more information

Text 50808

A free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.

• Text HELLO to 50808, anytime day or night
• Visit www.text50808.ie for more information

Hospital and emergency services

If you, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, go to or call the emergency department of your local general hospital. You can also contact emergency services on 112 or 999 anytime, day or night.

The Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and County Council have sought urgent talks with the Mayor of Waterford regarding their treatment at a recent meeting of the local authority. At one point Sinn Féin members withdrew from the chamber to protest being denied the opportunity to speak.

The leader of the Sinn Féin group Conor McGuinness said that his party colleagues were denied the opportunity to speak on certain debates, that they were interrupted when speaking, and prevented from raising issues that were then taken up by others. He also claimed that the meeting agenda was changed to push important issues back and allow an election take place earlier than planned so that a number of councillors could leave the meeting early.

McGuinness said:

“Sinn Féin councillors have a job to do as public representatives and our mandate is no less than anyone else’s. We will not accept a situation where we are denied an opportunity to speak in debates, to ask questions of officials, or to put forward proposals.

“Its quite clear that my party colleagues and I were singled out at the September meeting. We were ignored and overlooked when we indicated to speak, we were subject to frequent interruption from the Mayor, and in my own case, my questions to the director of services for housing and to the chief executive were allowed to go unanswered.

“The way in which the Management Report was pushed to the end of the agenda in order to have the election of deputy mayor take place earlier in the meeting had all the hallmarks of an old-fashioned political stroke.

“The Management Report allows councillors to highlight issues and to hold the senior management team to account. It’s arguably the most important item on the agenda, and each councillor is given just two minutes speaking time per month. This was moved to the end of the agenda to allow an election take place ahead of schedule so that two members of the majority pact could vote before heading off early for the afternoon.

“Councillors won’t always see eye to eye. Disagreement and debate are healthy. What isn’t healthy though is one individual or group dominating a meeting or seeking to silence those they disagree with. I have sought a meeting with the Mayor to raise our concerns and to work with him to find a way where we can all participate fully and fairly in meetings in the interests of our constituents.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has hit out at the refusal of the Minister for Housing to extend his affordable housing scheme to Co. Waterford. He raised the issue at the September meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

McGuinness said:

“It seems the Government’s affordable housing scheme is at a stand still. I am concerned about slow progress in the two schemes announced for Waterford City, but what I can’t get my head around is the refusal from the Housing Minister to funding affordable housing projects in Co. Waterford.

“Dungarvan is crying out for affordable housing. I would argue that the need is more urgent and more pronounced in Dungarvan due to dysfunctionality in both the rental and housing sales markets locally.

“I am calling on the Minister to get real about the situation affecting town like Dungarvan and to allow Waterford City and County begin affordable schemes outside of the City so that we can be shovel-ready whenever he decides to make funding available.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has launched an online survey to gather feedback from the public and from users of the Dungarvan Skatepark and nearby amentities.

McGuinness said:

“I have been inundated with calls and messages over recent weeks about the Dungarvan Skatepark and issues of littering, improper or inappropriate use of the amenity, and occasional incidents of anti-social behaviour or bullying behaviour.

“I take these reports very seriously. I want to gather as much feedback as possible to get a well rounded and in depth understanding of the issues, the causes, and how best all agencies and users can respond.

“Please take a few moments to have your say. All responses are entirely anonymised and no personal details are sought as part of the survey. As always, I am available to discuss issues with individual constituents in total confidence by phone, email, messenger or in person.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness is set to address a public meeting hosted by the Cost of Living Coalition Waterford. The meeting takes place at 7:45 on Thursday 1st September in the Tower Hotel.

The Cost of Living coalition has been established to campaign for measures to ease the burden of spiralling costs that are facing workers and families. Soaring rents, energy price hikes, back to school costs, increases in the prices of food and essential items, coupled with a deepening housing crisis and little in the way of wage increases – these issues need to be addressed urgently.

The coalition is comprised of Sinn Féin and several political parties of the left, trade unions, students organisations and advocacy groups working with those in need.

McGuinness will address the meeting along side People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and SETU Student’s Union president Patrick Curtin.

The Cost of Living Coalition is supported by Access for All Ireland, Dublin Council of Trade Unions, Dublin Colleges Branch TUI, ESB Retired Staff Association, Housing and Homeless Coalition, Ireland Senior Citizens’ Parliament, Irish Congress of Trades Unions, People Before Profit, RTE Retired Staff Association, Right to Change, Sinn Féin, Socialist Party, SPARK, The Rural Ireland Organisation, UCD Students’ Union, Union of Students in Ireland, UNITE Dublin Area Activist Committee, UNITE Irish Life Branch, Thomas Pringle TD, Joan Collins TD, Catherine Connolly TD, Waterford Council of Trade Unions.

The European Commission has confirmed that the decision to deny funding to dredge Cé Heilbhic rests solely with the Irish Government. The EU has provided Ireland with €920.4 million under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) fund – of which the Irish Government allocated €35 minion for fisheries ports and harbours. 

The European Commission further confirmed that its regulations for the BAR fund allow for ‘a flexible use of funds as needed for the specific situations of sectors and local communities’ by member states. 

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has consistently refused to provide funding to Waterford Council to carry out the preparatory work required by the Government before dredging can take place. This includes environmental assessments and the procurement of a foreshore licence, which can cost as much as the dredging operation itself. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor McGuinness had raised the issue with the European Commission directly in May this year, and had further engaged with the Commission on the matter throughout the summer.

The Co. Waterford Councillor is a member of the European Committee of the Regions and has been consistent in campaigning on fisheries issues at both local and national level. McGuinness has been working with David Cullinane to have the matter raised in the Dáil and with MEP Chris McManus in Brussels. 

McGuinness said:

“The European Commission has confirmed to me in writing that it has no issue with the Irish Government allocating money for preparatory and dredging work for Cé Heilbhic out of Ireland’s total allocation of €920.4 million. The Government had tried to blame Europe but the response I received from the Commission makes it clear that member-states have maximum flexibility when it comes to deciding how the money are used. 

“Earlier this year the Irish Government announced that €35 million of the BAR fund would be made available to improve and upgrade local authority owned piers and harbours. Despite Waterford City and County Council submitting an application for funding to begin the process of dredging Cé Heilbhic the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have refused to make the necessary funding available.

“This same Department requires local authorities to undertake expensive surveying and preparatory work before dredging can take place. This work can often cost as much if not more than the actual dredging. In devising the funding scheme it has decided that it won’t fund this key preparatory work, despite there being no requirement from Brussels to do so. Once again the Irish authorities are determined to be the best boys and girls in the class and to go over the top with regulations. This is particularly galling when the EU, which is providing the money, has called for ‘maximum flexibility’ in how it is allocated. 

“Cé Heilbhic is a working fisheries harbour supporting commercial operations. It is also home to the RNLI Helvick Head and Dungarvan Lifeboat. The harbour has become full of sand and silt over recent years and is in dire need of dredging. As things stand boats cannot enter or leave the harbour during low tides, and the situation is getting exponentially worse. 

“Boats returning to port with their catch often have to wait at sea until the tide rises enough to allow them enter the harbour. There are serious concerns about the lifeboat being unable to respond to an emergency call at low tide due to being stuck in the harbour. Will it take a tragedy at sea before the coalition parties get their act together? 

“Responsibility for this situation lies with the political leadership of the Department – Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue and his Green Party and Fine Gael junior ministers. It is they who made up the regulations of the scheme and it is they that have the ability to amend them. Minister McConalogue and his colleagues are treating us as fools by trying to hide behind arbitrary rules that they themselves have the authority to make, break or change.

“It’s clear from the Commission’s response that it has made several attempts to engage directly with the Irish Government on this issue. There is a frustration in Brussels that what it calls ‘operational challenges’ remain almost a year after the fund was announced.

“I have written to Minister McConalogue to make him aware of the European Commission’s view on his Department using its own arbitrary rules to prevent European funding going to where it is needed. 

“It is not acceptable that the Government continues to preside over a situation where a fisheries harbour is becoming unusable while €35 million of EU money is available precisely to avoid this type of situation.

“It is beyond time for action on this issue.”

Text of question and Commission response here

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Waterford Council needs to consider the cost of not emptying the bins at Clonea strand when deciding whether or not to use additional resources to keep the popular seaside area clean over the weekend. McGuinness has raised the issue previously at council meetings, where the cost of weekend collection has been offered as a reason for overflowing bins.

McGuinness said:

“Waterford Council needs to consider the cost of not emptying the litter bins at Clonea – the cost to the environment, the reputational cost to Waterford, and the impact on the enjoyment of our natural amenities by locals and visitors alike.

“I believe that people should take their litter home with them, and there is no excuse for leaving rubbish on the ground if a bin is overflowing – but the reality is that we need litter bins at our beaches and public amenities. We need them to be emptied regularly, and the situation of leaving bins full over the weekend has to end.

“The same is true of maintaining public toilets at our beaches and public spaces. There will be an additional cost to having staff attend over the weekend, but this needs to be measured against the cost of not doing it.

“Clonea is the jewel in West Waterford’s crown when it comes to natural amenities. It’s a shame to see bins overflowing on approach to the strand.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that proposals by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) to protect households against the worst impact of runaway fuel costs do not go far enough.

He said a ban on disconnections needs to be introduced for all customers throughout the fuel allowance season, in line with provisions in Sinn Féin’s Prohibition of Winter Disconnections Bill.

Senator Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Climate Justice, called for utility companies to be forced to offer their cheapest tariff rate to all consumers.

Cllr McGuinness said:

“The massive increase in the cost of light and heat is putting huge financial pressure on families, and this is set to worsen throughout the winter.In addition to a windfall tax on energy companies and financial support for households, other protections like an expanded ban on disconnections is needed.

“The CRU announced additional protections last night, but these do not go far enough, considering the scale of the challenge people are now facing due to the massive rise in energy costs. A ban on disconnections for vulnerable customers will now run from October 1^st until March 31^st. We believe this needs to be in place for all customers this winter.

“Last year, Sinn Féin introduced the Prohibition of Winter Disconnections Bill to ban disconnections during the fuel allowance season every year. We recognise households who are struggling financially need support during this time, not the threat of having their light and heat cut off over the winter.

“Disconnections are a very real issue for many people. For example, in 2019, there were 5,008 domestic disconnections for electricity and 2,424 for gas.”

Senator Boylan said:

“We further believe energy companies should also be required to offer all customers their best tariff rate.

“Last night the CRU announced that all customers with a financial hardship meter will be placed on the cheapest tariff available from their supplier. While this is welcome, again, it doesn’t go far enough given the astronomical price of energy and the reality that every household will struggle with bills this winter.

“We believe utility companies should offer all customers their cheapest available tariff.

“Some customers are on much higher rates as they may not have changed supplier in some time. This is adding even more to their bills. People should not be punished for staying with one energy provider.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford Council must play a greater role in managing the new amenities at Dungarvan’s linear park, including the Skatepark and ‘Learn to Cycle’ track.

McGuinness said:

“The Skatepark is a fantastic and popular amenity that has seen phenomenal use in the few months that it has been open. Huge credit must go to everyone involved in bringing it to fruition.

“Unfortunately during that time we have seen a huge increase in littering in the Linear Park area and immediately adjacent to the Skatepark. I raised this with council officials over the summer and managed to get a refuse bin installed, however there has been next to no improvement in the littering situation.

“At the same time I have received several calls and messages from parents about incidents of bad behaviour and bullying in and around the Skatepark.

“The majority of those using the Skatepark are respectful of the facility and respectful to other users, however there needs to be a level of supervision and management. The best way is for young people to have a sense of ownership and to be given a sense of responsibility.

“The council doesn’t have the monitor the park 24/7 nor should it have to, but I do feel a greater level of input is warranted. I would like to see young people involved in devising a set of rules for acceptable behaviour for the Skatepark, and for these rules to be displayed prominently.

“I have also asked the Environment section to work with youth services and schools locally to see how best young people can be facilitated in taking greater care of this wonderful facility.”

“Ultimately this comes down to responsibility and respect, and that has to be taught from a young age.”

Sinn Féin Councillor has congratulated Tallow boxer Ricky Kiely on taking a bronze medal in the European Schoolboys Boxing Championships in Turkey last week.

Kiely fought in the 80kg division and secured bronze against Moldova’s Illia Hornet after a tightly contested fight with the result coming down to a split decision. Kiely went on to challenge for silver in the semis but lost out to Vosyp-Vladyslav Kozakevych bosing for Ukraine.

McGuinness said:

“It was great to meet with Ricky on his return to Tallow and to be able to congratulate him in person on taking a bronze medal in the European Schoolboys Championship in Erzurum, Turkey.

“This is a huge result for him personally, I know he overcame a number of challenges towards the start of the tournament showing great resilience. He is a credit to his parents, coaches and his club. Keep an eye on Ricky, this young athlete is tipped for great success!”

The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford Council Conor D. McGuinness has hit out at what he calls an ‘embedded imbalance’ when it comes to IDA interventions. Figures provided by the South East Economic Monitor showed that Waterford received just eight site visits from the IDA in 2021, compared to 31 for Galway, 37 for Limerick, 44 for Cork and 153 for Dublin.

The mission of the IDA is to attract inward investment and to create jobs. Site visits are an essential and proven part of the IDA’s strategy to bring investment and jobs into a given area. 

McGuinness said:

“There is a staggering double standard at play when it comes to intervention by the IDA. Of the five cities in the state Waterford is clearly at the bottom of the list. Galway is second from the bottom but received almost four times as many site visits as Waterford in the same period. Limerick received over four times as many and Cork over five times as many visits during 2021.

“Site visits are important because they bring investors into an area to showcase merits of locations to companies considering investing or expanding existing operations. They are a proven method of attracting investment and jobs into a specific area.

“This trend isn’t new, in fact a review of the data over the last decade suggests that the imbalance has become firmly embedded in the IDA’s outlook. The indifference and neglect shown to Waterford City and County by successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments has created a culture where Waterford is seen as an afterthought when it comes to investment.

“When visits to Kilkenny, Wexford and Carlow are factored in,  the 2021 total for the entire South East region is still half the amount of visits received by Limerick last year.

“The South East is still the poor relation when it comes to securing investment and creating jobs. We need to see a change in attitude when it comes to Waterford and the South East. It’s clear that neither the political establishment parties nor their local representatives have the interest or the ability to deliver that change.”

ENDS

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on the Minister for Agriculture to outline how he intends to finance the additional TB testing required of farmers.

McGuinness said

“The failure of the Minister or his officials to engage with farmer representatives on how the extra mandatory testing would be finances is not good enough. 

“More than anything farmers need certainty. Why can’t the Minister or his officials outline their plans to representatives via the TB forum? 

“Farmers have always been willing partners in the TB Eradication Programme and have played their part. The introduction of a new regime around testing in order to comply with EU regulations. In developing its approach the Department needs to outline its plans and engage with farmer representatives. Farmers are already under pressure from increased input costs, coupled with a pricing approach from buyers that leaves a lot to be desired. 

“The suspicion is that Minister McConalogue expects farmers to pay for the additional testing themselves, and this is why neither he nor his officials will engage on the issue. We need to see a return to dialogue on this issue and an open-minded approach taken by Government, that is understanding of the pressures farmers are under.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged people across Waterford to have their say on mental health services. He made the plea as Sinn Féin launches an online survey to examine the experiences of people accessing – or attempting to access – mental health services. McGuinness represents Waterford on the Regional Health forum and is an advocate for improved access to mental health supports for people across Waterford City and County. 

McGuinness said:

“We wants to hear the real-life experiences of people trying to access HSE and Community mental health services in this state.

“In many areas, due to chronic underfunding and neglect by government, our mental health services are creaking and under constant strain. This isn’t good enough and patients across the state are being forced to suffer the consequences of government failure.

“Sinn Féin is launching a survey of patients to determine their experiences of accessing, or attempting to access, mental health services.

“The survey aims to capture these details to tell the human story and human cost of underfunding and understaffing of our mental health services.

“Care delayed is care denied, and the longer the wait is the more difficult a condition can sometimes be to treat.

“Inadequate service provision can cause huge additional emotional pressure and stress for people already suffering with their mental health. This is unacceptable.

“Behind every number and statistic is a person waiting for care that they need.

“I am asking everyone affected to take part in this survey and make your voice heard. We will be using the results to inform my policy proposals.

“Sinn Féin will stand up for people attempting to access mental health services to ensure they get the help and treatment they need. The survey is available online on my social media or at surveymonkey.com/r/B5FGG6C”. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that scores of children from across Waterford will again be turned away from school transport this year due to a failure by the government to recognise demand and invest in extra capacity.

Sinn Féin has called 10,000 extra places to be funded and made available to help meet demand.

McGuinness said

“This week parents and families in Waterford are getting notified that they have failed to secure a seat for their child on the local school bus. They are being left high and dry by Government inaction. 

“Every year the School Transport Scheme is significantly over-subscribed and instead of harnessing this demand, the government sit on their hands and let the situation repeat itself, year after year. 

“This causes huge problems for parents who are trying to juggle their work commitments.

“In addition, we are turning thousands of children away from this public transport option, which is totally at odds with our climate ambitions, as it results in thousands of extra private car journeys to and from school each day.

“While the decision by Government to eliminate school transport fees for the 2022/2023 school year is welcome, it does nothing to address the capacity constraints. More needs to be done. 

“Sinn Féin have called for 10,000 extra seats to be added to the system, in addition to investing in new school buses and eliminating school transport fees. This would means hundreds of additional seats for Waterford to ensure that all children can access education. 

“By expanding this scheme, we can cut transport emissions, reduce dangerous traffic congestion outside schools, while providing parents and guardians with a convenient method of transport for their children.

“Expanding the School Transport Scheme is a win-win for parents and for the environment.“The Ministers for Transport and Education should now step in and immediately increase capacity to ensure as many children as possible can be accommodated.” 

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed progress on a proposed new pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Health Centre and Library in Tallow. The West Waterford representative encourage the public to voice their opinion on the proposed works during the public consultation period.

McGuinness said:

“The proposed pedestrian crossing will provide a direct and safe connection to the Health Centre and the Library for those coming from the eastern side of Convent Road. The plans include traffic lights at the crossing as an additional safety measure.

“Public consultations allow for anyone concerned to express and opinion for or against, or to make suggestions for changes or additions to the proposed plan.

“The consultation period runs until September. Details of the proposal as well as how to make a submission can be found on the Council’s website, or I may be contact directly on 087 9345603, via conormcguinness.ie or through social media.

Sinn Féin leader on Waterford City and County Council Conor McGuinness has called on the Government to take urgent action to help families across Waterford, who are struggling with back-to-school costs. He made the call following the recent publication of a survey by Barnardos that he said are ‘profoundly worrying’.

Cllr McGuinness said:

“The findings of the Barnardos survey about back-to-school costs are extremely worrying and expose the extent of the real crisis families across Waterford City and County are experiencing. It is clear that the Government must now listen and take action immediately. Families can’t wait.

“The survey found that over two thirds of primary (69%) and three-quarters of secondary school parents said they were worried about meeting costs this year.

“Last month, Sinn Féin published a package of measures to cut back-to-school costs. This set out how families can get much-needed support for these spiralling costs, as the price of uniforms, school books, lunches, voluntary contributions and transport can reach hundreds or even thousands of Euro.

“While the government took on board some of our proposals, they did not go far enough and this research by Barnardos shows that families need further help. The Government now need to take on board our other proposals and ensure that parents who are stressed about meeting back-to-school costs this year get the support that they need and deserve.

“Middle income families need help this summer. They can’t wait. People who have one child in school and who have a combined income of €620 or more per week don’t get any assistance in terms of Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance. Sinn Féin are proposing that this eligibility is widened to include middle income earners.

“These are people on modest incomes who are working hard and cannot afford to pay these spiralling back-to-school costs. It would be fair and reasonable for the eligibility to be widened to ensure these families get a break from the cost of living crisis. This would make a real difference to so many people.

“There is still time to act, but the Government cannot delay any longer. This issue is urgent. We are already in the middle of summer and these costs are coming in. Families cannot wait any longer.

“The Government has shown before that they can act, when they did agree to take on some of Sinn Féin’s proposals. I am urging them to deliver on all our measures. Our proposals are fair, reasonable and deliverable. They would make a real difference to families who are under major financial pressure.

“The Government must widen eligibility for the Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance now, so that middle income earners can receive much-needed help with back-to-school costs. Sinn Féin would extend the Back To School Clothing and Footwear Allowance to an additional 500,000 children. A Sinn Féin Government would stand up for families hit by the cost of living crisis.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that it is unacceptable that the EU-Mercosur trade deal remains an open prospect in light of the current challenges facing Ireland’s agrifood sector. He called on the government to immediately end any further progress of the agreement, which would allow for the importation of 100,000 additional tonnes of beef into the EU market.  

McGuinness represents Ireland on the European Committee of the Regions, which gives local and regional authorities a voice at EU level.

The West Waterford representative said:

“It is beyond ironic that, while in Ireland, there has been a sustained discussion on the role of agriculture in our domestic carbon emissions, the Brazilian meat industry was unveiling plans to increase the cattle herd there by 6.5million in order to meet projected export demand.  

“This increase represents the equivalent of this state’s entire beef and dairy herd.  

“Meanwhile, EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius has indicated that he expects the EU-Mercosur trade deal to advance by the end of this year, thereby facilitating the importation of a significant amount of that Brazilian beef into Europe.

“Irish farmers can and must take measures to reduce emissions. But we cannot expect those actions to be taken while the European Commission is preparing to sign off on a trade deal that will undo any positive impact of our domestic actions.  

“Due to pressure from farm organisations and Sinn Féin, government ministers have told the Dáil that they are now opposed to the EU-Mercosur trade deal. But, it appears that they have yet to tell the European Commission.  

“Ireland has a veto on this trade deal, and the government must inform the EU that we intend to use it and thereby end any further progress on this disastrous agreement.  

“Otherwise, government parties will lose all credibility on their recent Climate Action rhetoric.

“The Mercosur trade deal offers nothing positive for Ireland. It is bad for our most important indigenous sector, bad for our overall economy and disastrous for the environment.  

“It must be rejected, now.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the opening of a public consultation on the proposed footpath connecting Ballinroad Cross with the Clonea Roundabout.

McGuinness said:

“This is a very positive step forward in the long-running campaign to get a footpath built along this busy stretch of road.

“Alongside local residents and other public representatives I have been calling for a footpath to be installed here since I was first elected. The need is very clear – connecting an important population centre with amenities, including the community hall, sports facilities, footpaths and the Greenway.

“The proposal includes 2 metre wide concrete footpaths on both sides of the L3011, leaving a 6 metre carriageway. It also included a new pedestrian crossing and improvements to the existing crossing on the Clonea Strand Road.

“It has taken a while to get to this stage but I believe the engagement from the public some weeks back regarding the proposed footpath for An Grianán served to concentrate minds – another good result for people power!  

“A draft design has been published and the public are encouraged to have a look and to voice their opinion during the consultation period, which runs until 20^th September. For more information on the proposal and how to make a submission visit the Council’s website or contact me directly on 087 9345603, by email to conor.mcguinness@sinnfein.ie or through social media. Full drawings can be viewed here.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the announcement that AIB will not proceed with its decision to remove cash services from its Lismore, Tramore, Ardkeen and Carrick-on- Suir branches. The move was due affect a total of 70 branches across the state. The Sinn Féin council group leader warned that customers needed certainty that the U-turn is more than just a stay of execution and that cash services are here to stay.

McGuinness praised local communities for standing up for their services, and commended all those who signed petitions, organised protests and lobbied public representatives. The Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and County Council had tabled a motion calling for a reversal of the decision, and protests had been called by the party to take place over the weekend.

Cllr McGuinness said:

“I welcome that AIB have reversed their decision. This is the right thing to do. Their decision to make these branches cashless was short-sighted and poorly thought out. It would have caused major problems for customers and communities across Waterford by forcing them to travel long distances for basic services. It should never have been allowed to get this far.

“The suddenness of the initial announcement demonstrated a staggering level of arrogance and disrespect. While AIB cited increased digital usage as one reason for these changes, there are many vulnerable customers in our communities, especially living in rural areas, who are effectively abandoned when decisions like these are made. Accessing cash is a fairly basic service provided by any Bank and the loss of these services will impact on customers and businesses.

“People rightly saw the AIB decision as part of the wider running down of banking services in towns and communities righty across the state, and the trend away from accessible, offline ‘in-person’ services. Online banking is great for those who want to and are able to use it, but its not for everyone. Banks must not be allowed to ignore and disenfranchise huge swathes of the population.

“It is clear that the Future of Banking in Ireland Review is urgently required and must include close examination of local banking services, and the role of the Credit Union sector, to ensure that customers are not subjected to this unacceptable stress again.

Customers and communities across Waterford deserve to know that they will be treated fairly by their bank and that an appalling situation like this will not be allowed to happen in the future.

“The Government have evidently been caught on the hop and need to explain why this was the case. Customers need to know exactly how this debacle came about and need reassurance that it will not happen again. This means that the Finance Committee meeting on this matter must still go ahead, so that customers can get these vital answers and assurances from the Finance Minister and senior AIB figures. Sinn Féin are committed to standing up for customers to ensure that they are treated fairly and with respect.

“The Government are majority shareholders in AIB and need to assert their role in ensuring banks service communities. Our communities deserve to access services locally and to be treated fairly by these banks.

“I want to commend communities across Waterford who stood their ground and refused to allow corporate interests to hollow out the services upon which they rely. By working together and refusing to back down, they have ensured that these vital services do not leave. People power has won out.”

The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford Council has accused the Minsiter for Housing of ‘sitting on his hands’ while the situation in the private rental market continues to worsen. Cllr. Conor McGuinness said the recent Daft.ie report “is more bad news for renters” across Waterford City and County.

“Does the government have any idea how bad the housing catastrophe has become? There were 14 properties listed to rent for the whole of Waterford City and County. Of these only two are in the Dungarvan-Lismore District, and both of these far exceed the average rent for the county – yet this area is still not classed as a rent pressure zone!

“Added to this is the fact that the number of eviction notices issued so far this year is more than twice that issued in the same period last year,” he said.

“It is clear that Darragh O’Brien and the coalition Government have lost control of the housing market. Two years in office and almost a year into his housing plan and Darragh O’Brien is presiding over record highs in rents, house prices and homelessness. Meanwhile, social and affordable housing is well behind target and the private rental sector is shrinking. Smaller and accidental landlords are leaving in their droves, further shrinking availability. 

“The housing crisis has become a housing catastrophe.

“Budget 2023 is the Minister’s last chance to make the level of change required to fix our deepening housing crisis. We need a dramatic increase in funding to deliver 20,000 social and affordable homes every year for the next decade. We need emergency action to reduce homelessness and see need to see a review of the tax treatment for small-scale landlords in order to slow down the disorderly exit of landlords from the private rental sector.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has accused AIB of abandoning communities and criticised the its decision this week to remove cash services from its Lismore, Tramore, Ardkeen and Carrick-on- Suir branches. The move will affect a total of 70 branches across the state. The Sinn Féin council group leader has drafted a motion calling on the Minister for Finance to take action,  which will come before the next meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council.

McGuinness said:

“The news broke this week that AIB will be making many of their banks cashless, including branches that serve customers and communities across Waterford. This is a terrible decision, which will mean communities in Waterford are left with no cash or ATM services and people will be forced to travel long distances to access banking services. 

“Due to this decision, people in across Waterford will have to travel significant distances  to access a branch with full cash services. This is an unacceptable and unfair burden to place on people. 

“While AIB cite increased digital usage as one reason for these changes, there are many vulnerable customers in our communities, especially living in rural areas, who are effectively abandoned when decisions like these are made. Accessing cash is a fairly basic service provided by any Bank and the loss of these services will impact on customers and businesses.  

“AIB has attempted to justify this decision to reduce banking services on the grounds of reduced use by consumers – but this pays little regard to the impact the pandemic had on consumers using face-to-face services. The Central Bank has noted the importance that cash continues to play in our economy and for social inclusion. Many people need to bank using cash for various reasons.

“AIB can’t walk away from our communities when we, the Irish people, bailed this bank out to the tune of €20.7 billion. It is now abandoning the very communities it claims to support.  Their actions are totally unacceptable particularly as the state owns 69% of this Bank.  

“The government’s reaction to this news so far has been simply to shrug. Where is the Minister for Finance?  Why is the government allowing AIB to treat its customers and communities with such distain? 

“It is time for the government to act and tell AIB that after a €20.7 billion state bailout it can’t walk away and abandon communities without banking services. This decision cannot be allowed to go ahead. Our communities deserve better.”

The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and Council has extended his condolences, and those of his party, to the family of the late Cllr. James Tobin who passed away recently. He also expressed his sympathies to Cllr. Tobin’s colleagues in the Fianna Fáil party, to his wide circle of friends and neighbours, and to the community that he loved and served all his live.

McGuinness said:

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my fellow Dungarvan-Lismore representative Cllr. James Tobin. On behalf of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford City and County Council I want to offer our heartfelt condolences to his family. 

“James was a a community man through and through. He was a tireless, effective and approachable public representative. He was a dedicated GAA man. More than all of that though he was a family man – our conversations were as often about family as politics. It was clear how proud he was of his family, and how much he loved his children and his late wife Anne. 

“As a new Councillor James was very generous to me with his time, and despite being from different political parties we found common ground. We would invariably find something to agree on no matter the topic! 

“His passing is a huge loss to the community, to the council, to his party, and to his wide circle of friends – but most of all to his family, whom he loved and was so proud of. 

“I send my deepest sympathies to his children Mairéad, Micheál, Seán, Áine, Séamus and Pádraig, to their partners, to his grandchildren and his wider family circle. 

“Suaimhneas síoraí dó agus dá bhean Anne – i dteannta a chéile go raibh siad I bhFlaitheas Dé.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Bonmahon has been ‘neglected’ by Irish Waterford and by successive Governments that have failed to invest in infrastructure for the seaside village. He made the comments as many families and businesses in the area faced their third day without water against the backdrop of sweltering temperatures.

McGuinness said:

“We need to see urgent and adequate infrastructural investment in Bonmahon, in both the village’s water supply and in its sewage system.

“The lack of the capacity in the reservoir to meet increased summer demand for water has led to many houses in the area being left without water for three days during the hottest seek of the year. A number of local businesses have had to offer reduced services during what should be their busiest season.

“My colleague Cllr Jim Griffin and I have been engaging with Irish Water and with Waterford Council about the water outages over the last number of days. The situation is down to increased demand on a water supply that is not adequate for usage over the summer season.

“Its not right that families and businesses are left without water for multiple days during hot weather. We need to see investment in a fit-for-purpose water supply that can cater to summer demand for the village and its visitors.

“We also need to see urgent investment in a new sewage system for the village – the current system isn’t working and residents have been to the fore in campaigning for a new and adequate system that will meet the needs of the village, protect the environment and allow for local families to build homes.

“The neglect and indifference of Irish Water and the Government when it comes to Bonmahon cannot be allowed to continue.”

Go raibh mile maith agaibh a chairde, as ucht an cuireadh bhieth libh inniu i bPort Lách. Is mór an onóir domsa labhairt ag an gcomóradh seo. 

Its a great honour to have been asked to speak at the Portlaw Easter Commemoration and to stand here where our dearly departed comrade Jackie Whelan so often stood. We remember Prish Morrissey who passed away last March and who we also miss here today. They stood by the Republic, even when it was no easy thing to do. I know they are greatly missed by their families and by their comrades here, and we are all thinking of them both today. 

We think also of Cathleen Ní Fhathaigh who was lost to us earlier this year, and send our love to her family and our support to her comrades in the Carrick on Suir RFB and across the wider republican family. 

Easter is a special time for Republicans. We gather at this time of the year, as people gather all across Ireland, to remember those who fought and died for Irish freedom.

We come together to honour those who struck for freedom in Easter Week 1916 and in every generation since.

We recommit ourselves to the cause of the independence, sovereignty and unity of Ireland and to a 32-County socialist republic based on liberty, equality and solidarity.

This year marks the centenary of the Irish Civil War, which might more accurately be termed the Irish Counter-Revolution. In recent weeks we marked one hundred years since the end of British rule in Waterford, with the taking of Dungarvan Castle by the IRA on March 4th 1922 followed soon after by the taking of the infantry barracks at Waterford. 

The ending of British rule in Waterford was hard fought and hard won. IRA volunteers, members of Cumann na mBan, Sinn Féin activists, Gaelic Leaguers, old Fenians and members of the Gaelic Athletic Association all put their shoulder to the wheel in support of the national movement – in support of Ireland’s freedom. 

One hundred years ago IRA volunteers had an opportunity to breathe and to take stock, but there was no opportunity to relax or retire from the fight. They knew the fight was not over, that the apparent victory was imperfect. Connolly had given a clear warning to the Citizens Army in 1916.  He said “in the event of victory, hold on to your rifles, as those with whom we are fighting may stop before our goal is reached. We are out for economic as well as political liberty.”

Ireland was newly divided by Britain’s Government of Ireland Act and by the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

In the Six Counties the nationalist population was subjected to a vicious pogrom led by the B Specials and Royal Irish Constabulary.

Inthe 26 Counties many people believed Michael Collins when he said the Treaty gave Ireland the ‘freedom to achieve freedom’.

However, it soon became clear that, as Connolly had predicted, men were getting into power who would do nothing to undermine their new power base.

The Free State became a vehicle for those who had either opposed or stood aside from the revolution – big business, landed interests, the Catholic Hierarchy.

Urged on by inducements and threats from the British, Free State forces bombarded the Four Courts at the end of June 1922 and began the Civil War. 

For the Irish nation it was an immense tragedy. Irish Republicans saw all their hopes of a free, unitedand socially just Ireland dashed.

Nonetheless they continued the fight for freedom. Thousands suffered imprisonment.

Seventy seven republicans were executed officially in Free State prisons.

Many more were murdered having been captured in large-scale military operations by Free State troops using British guns, adopting Britain’s tactics, and in many cases answering to British officers. We think of Commandant Tom Keating who was shot, captured and left to slowly die from his wounds. The barbarity of the Free State campaign against the Republic has never been answered for its modern day apologists within the southern political establishment. 

Its fitting that we take time to remember and acknowledge  especially the role of republican women:

Cumann na mBan rejected the Treaty; all six women TDs voted against it; the Free State imprisoned far more republican women than the British did.

Partition unleashed what Connolly had predicted as a ‘carnival of reaction’. Women who had dreamed of freedom, who had fought for freedom now found themselves subject to a deeply reactionary state, where the entire apparatus of that state seemed fixated on controlling women, denying them their rights, and undermining their power and ignoring their contribution to society – a situation that would last for many, many decades. 

In spite of all, the desire for liberty remained and the republican ideal survived.

As Constance Markiewicz put it: “while Ireland is not free I remain a rebel, unconverted and unconvertible. There is no word strong enough for it. I am pledged as a rebel, an unconvertible rebel, to the one thing – a free and independent Republic”

The Movement was rebuilt. There would be another day.

Partition not only divided our island and our people. It created two conservative states and economies, controlled and run in the interests of privileged elites, North and South. The vision of the Proclamation and the Democratic Programme as betrayed. Workers were to be exploited by new, native masters – while the wealth of the nation would be squandered not by absent British aristocrats but by a new Irish elite. 

Inequality was at the heart of the two states and we continue to live with that legacy.

The division of Ireland has held back our potential for too long.

There is now a real opportunity to shape a better, more prosperous, more equal future.

We now have the means to achieve an economically strong, socially just United Ireland.

There is now a democratic process which allows everyone to participate in planning and preparation for constitutional change.

This facilitates a peaceful transition to a United Ireland that belongs to all. Provision for a unity referendum is enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement.

Every day, developments at home and abroad are leading to the holding of such a referendum. The post-pandemic world faces new economic challenges. This island can no longer sustain two separate tax regimes, legal systems, economies and health and education systems. Many would argue that it never could. 

All-Ireland integration is vital for the  development of public services, investment, economic development, social inclusion and diversity.

Unity benefits all our people, north and south, unlocking the potential of this island.

A United Ireland will receive the support and goodwill of the international community.

Unity is central to building a modern, inclusive, fair society and a country which can play its full part in the world.

A Citizens’ Assembly can and should play a major role ahead of a referendum on a united Ireland – setting out a clear pathway for a new, United Ireland prior to a vote.

The Irish Government must stop prevaricating and establish a Citizens Assembly to create a democratic foundation to prepare for a referendum on unity.

2022 marks 50 years since the collapse of the old Stormont regime in 1972. It was a regime built on foundations of discrimination, sectarianism and inequality.

Today we are in a very different place. The political landscape in the North has changed considerably in recent years and republicans have been central to driving that change.

Further change is on the way. Next month will see elections to the Assembly in the North. 

This election is about the future, about the next generation and what people, from whatever background or tradition, can achieve if we work together. 

Ireland is changing and now is the time to face the world as a place that is moving forward, confident and ready for the future.

People got a glimpse in recent months of what is possible from an Assembly and an Executive that gets a chance to deliver.

The first thing that Michelle O’Neill did when the DUP walked away from the Executive was to convene a meeting of party leaders to get work done.

And it worked – the Assembly passed legislation on climate, housing, on women’s rights, the cost-of-living crisis.

This was matched by initiatives by Executive  ministers, despite the actions of a Tory government constantly undermining the Good Friday Agreement.

Imagine a full term of that sort of leadership and that sort of delivery.

That is what Sinn Féin is going to make happen.

We will work with others to build a new future in a new, better Ireland.

After 5th May Sinn Féin is committed to getting the Assembly and Executive back up and running without delay.

We want to build a partnership government.

We want the opportunity to lead, not just in the Assembly and Executive but across Ireland.

We are determined that in the time ahead Sinn Féin will lead a government in Dublin.  

Other political parties may talk about unity in the far off distance, but they have had a hundred years to try undo partition. Not only have the failed, but they failed to even try.

Waterford has its part to play in delivering on real political change. The message must go out loud and clear – if we want Irish unity, if we want an Irish republic worthy of the name – where workers and families come before vulture funds and speculators –  then we need to elect Sinn Féin to government. 

Sinn Féin is planning to run three candidates in the next General Election. It is a hugely ambitious plan, but we are determined to keep step with the people and with the huge demand for change and for a return to Republican principles. 

Success will require all shoulders at the wheel and I would appeal to everyone here to get involved. As Bobby Sands wrote  “everyone has a part to play; no part is too big or too small.”

Irish republicanism has always been internationalist in nature. We have benefitted from the goodwill of supporters abroad and we have never been found wanting when asked to stan in solidarity with struggles for freedom and equality in other parts of the world. 

It is fitting that we would send our support and solidarity to the peoples of Ukraine and Palestine this Easter, as both continue to live under attack from powerful neighbours that seek to destroy and dominate them. 

The Irish people have been horrified in recent weeks by the illegal and unjust invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the attendant slaughter of civilians. Many of us have also been deeply struck by the violence unleashed by Israel against Palestinian civilians in recent weeks – which is just the latest in their decades-long campaign to deny Palestinian nationhood and usurp territory. 

As republicans and anti-imperialists we say very clearly that no country should be subject to the kind of military aggression faced by Palestine or Ukraine. 

The international community must press for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and for an end to Israel’s apparent impunity for the crimes of annexation, collective punishment and apartheid. 

There are those among the elites who have cynically sought to hijack the strong empathy of the Irish people for Ukraine, by seeking to undermine Irish military neutrality.

While we will always call out oppression and send our solidarity and support to those fighting oppression, we cannot confuse this with the demands by some within the southern political establishment for Ireland to join an international military alliance, or to support the imperialist interventions of some countries in their former colonies. 

This is a clear affront to the wishes of the Irish people who, in opinion poll after opinion poll have shown clear support for military neutrality.

Sinn Féin believes there is now a responsibility on the government to support calls for a referendum to have Irish military neutrality enshrined in the constitution.

The opportunities for moving to a new United Ireland have never been so great.

Real political, social and economic change on this island is within our grasp.

The old certainties are gone.

In the North, the perpetual unionist political majority has ended.

In the South, the grip of the conservative parties is significantly diminished.

Sinn Féin is on the rise.

Now is the time to build a new Ireland.

An Ireland that will be a fitting tribute to the patriots we honour today.

An Ireland that will be a modern, progressive and fair country, fit for all who live here.

Irish Republicans in 2022 are as determined as those who have gone before us to realise the vision of the 1916 Proclamation – an independent, united Ireland and a real republic built on the foundation stones of equality and social justice for all citizens.

Tá uallach mór oibre le dhéanamh a chairde, agus beimíd ag braith ar a chéile chun ár dtionscadail stairiúl a chur i gcrích. 

Beirimís bua a chairde!

Up the Republic!!

A Co. Waterford Councillor has branded an online campaign to tarnish the recent Dungarvan Pride festival as ‘beyond pathetic’. The festival organisers and local performer Lady FiFi Fondue, who fronted the event, were subjected to a barrage of homophobic trolling online in the wake of the inaugural event, which was held in Abbeyside’s Walton Park.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness took to social media to support those involved in the event and to condemn the abusive and bigoted online campaign directed against them.

McGuinness said:

“I send support and solidarity to all involved in last week’s very successful, family-friendly Dungarvan Pride festival.

“Unfortunately a small number of far-right activists, many affiliated to the so-called ‘Irish Freedom Party’ have decided to target what was a wonderful day and a fantastic community gathering. Their coordinated campaign of trolling is beyond pathetic.

“I wouldn’t normally even comment on it but when individuals are singled out then political leaders have an obligation to stand up and to stand with them.

“These right-wing internet trolls hide behind anonymous accounts to spread misinformation and trying to whip up homophobia for their own sad ends.

“What they fail to realise is that their hate has no currency, they have no support, and they speak for no one.

“I will continue to offer my full support for the LGBT+ community locally, and to stand against bigotry no matter where it comes from. We’ve come too far to allow anyone drag us down.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has secured a commitment from regional HSE management that the health service will take the circumstances of individual patients into account when assigning them to a new GP. The commitment was given to the Sinn Féin representative at a meeting of the HSE Regional Forum at which McGuinness had secured cross-party support for a motion on the issue.

McGuinness said:

“My motion called on the HSE to ‘have regard to the specific medical need, geographic location, and/or mobility issues of individual patients when assigning them to a new GP’, and was tabled in response to the situation locally where patients in Dungarvan found themselves assigned to a GP in another town, with no regard to their ability to travel, their ongoing needs, or their medical conditions.

“The situation in Co. Waterford is part of a wider crisis in general practice, where the shortage of doctors is causing chaos for tens of thousands of patients. There is shortage of GPs across the state many practices are under severe pressure. It is proving impossible to fill vacancies when GPs retire or move away

The Irish College of General Practice has referred to a ‘severe shortage’, with 1,600 doctors required to cover current shortages, and an additional 500 to cover projected shortages due to retirement. At present Ireland is only training some 230 doctors per year and not all of these will enter general practice. The response of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition is to bury their heads in the sand.

The commitment given by the HSE on foot of my motion won’t solve the crisis, but it will ensure that the needs of patients are taken into account the next time a situation arises where a GP retires or moves abroad. The outlook provided by the Irish College of General Practice shows that this will become a more frequent occurrence in the years ahead.

“My colleague David Cullinane has raised the crisis in general practice with the Minister for Health on the floor of the Dáil and has outlined what a Sinn Féin government would do to address the crisis. We need action to expand GP and primary care services now, to increase capacity in doctor training, and to explore the option of directly hired GPs where necessary. David and I will continue to work together to ease the impacts of the crisis on patients across Dungarvan and West Waterford.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the latest Daft.ie house price report shows that despite two years in office, the Fianna Fáil / Fine Gael / Green Party coalition has utterly failed to address the affordable housing crisis. 

The report shows house price increased by almost 12% in Co. Waterford over the past year –   far more than the state-wide average increase of 9.5%. The increase in Waterford City was 13.5% during the last 12 months

McGuinness said:

“The latest Daft.ie house price report shows house prices continue to spiral upwards. 

“State-wide, house prices have increased by 9.5% in the last year. Nineteen counties have double digit inflation, with both Waterford City and County in this bracket. House prices in Co. Waterford have increased by one full percentage point per month over the past year, while the pattern has been even more dramatic in the City.

“The Fianna Fáil – Fine Gael – Green Party coalition has been in power for two full years. Monday June 27 is the second anniversary of Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien’s tenure of office. During that time, he has utterly failed to address the affordable housing crisis.

“Not one single affordable home has been built in Waterford City and County during this time. Only a handful of affordable homes to purchase have been delivered in the state, despite inheriting a €300 million fund from his predecessor that was meant to deliver 6000 affordable homes by 2021. 

“During his two years in office, homelessness has returned to pre pandemic levels. In the last 12 months child homelessness is up over 40%. Single person homelessness has reached 5000 or the first time. 

“Meanwhile the crisis in the private rental sector gets progressively worse. Rents spiral upwards while the sector is shrinking as accidental and semi-professional landlords exit the market.

“Report after report on house prices, rents and homelessness demonstrate that this Government is failing an even greater number of people, and that Minister O’Brien is failing as his predecessor Eoghan Murphy did. 

“Budget 2023 is an opportunity to change direction. To dramatically increase direct capital investment in the delivery of at least 20,000 public homes a year to meet social and affordable housing needs. This is what is required to tackle the ever-growing affordability crisis.”

West Waterford Sinn Féin marked the 101^st anniversary of John ‘Jack’ Cummins over the bank holiday weekend. Jack was an active Volunteer with the Stradbally Company, 4th Battalion, West Waterford Brigade of the Irish Republican Army. He was shot and killed on the 5^th June 1921.

He joined Sinn Féin because he believed an independent and united Ireland was the only guarantee of a decent future for his people. It wasn’t long before he joined the IRA and became a dedicated volunteer under the leadership of 4th Batt Commandant Tom Keating.

He was killed in action during an IRA ambush on British Troops at Ballyvoile. The IRA withdrew under heavy gunfire as British reinforcements arrived in the scene. They managed to recover Jack’s body and he is buried in Stradbally.

Wreaths were laid at the monument that marks the spot where he was shot and killed, and at his grave.

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. I measc laochra na nGael go raibh sé.

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford’s new development plan must work for rural communities and address the hardships faced by so many families in securing planning permission under the old 2011 plan.

McGuinness said:

“Waterford has been subject to an outdated and inadequate development plan for five years or more. The current plan came into force in 2011 and should have been replaced in 2017.

“One of my key priorities as a Councillor has been to make a new, fit-for-purpose development plan and I was vocal in campaigning for this work to begin following false starts and delays that can be traced back to Fine Gael and Labour’s forced merger of local authorities and their abolition of town councils in 2014.

“Work on a new development plan to finally replace the 2011 plan has been underway for some time and will hopefully conclude in the coming days. My priorities in making the plan have been to ensure sufficient land is zoned for housing in our towns, that our villages can grow and thrive, that the Gaeltacht is protected, and crucially, that young families from rural communities can secure planning permission.

“The 2011 plan puts inordinate barriers in the way of rural families building their own homes. It has caused real hardship for families across Co. Waterford and has contributed to the housing crisis in our towns and villages, as families that want to continue living in their rural communities have been forced to enter the housing market in urban areas – thereby adding to demand.

“Government policy seems designed to force young families out of rural Ireland and into larger towns and cities. Planning regulations, the ongoing failure to deliver broadband connectivity nationwide, a failure to invest in rural communities and services, and the entirely inadequate roads budget all point to a desire to force people from the countryside.

“I have argued forcefully for a more understanding and considered approach in the new development plan, that will allow planners to take into account the social and economic connections that applicants have to their homeplaces.

“My hope is that there is sufficient political support to make a new development plan that works for rural communities.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has raised the failure by the Irish Government to provide the necessary funding to dredge Cé Heilbhic with the European Commission this week. McGuinness is in Brussels as part of a Sinn Féin-led delegation highlighting the negative impacts of the Common Fisheries Policy on the Irish fishing sector.

The West Waterford Councillor is a member of the European Committee of the Regions and has been consistent in campaigning on fisheries issues at both local and national level. He says the failure by the current Government and its successors to solve the dredging issue at Heilbhic has prompted him to raise it at EU level.

McGuinness said:

“The European Commission earlier this year provided the Irish Government with an unprecedented €35 million of funding to be spent on local authority owned piers and harbours. Despite Waterford City and County Council submitting an application for funding to begin the process of dredging Cé Heilbhic the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have refused to make the necessary funding available.

“This same Department requires local authorities to undertake expensive surveying and preparatory work before dredging can take place. This work can often cost as much if not more than the actual dredging. It devising the funding scheme it has decided that it won’t fund this key preparatory work, creating a situation where local authorities are unable to access funding for dredging. Heilbhic has fallen victim to this ridiculous Catch-22 situation. 

“This is a working fisheries harbour supporting commercial operations. It is also home to the RNLI Helvick and Dungarvan Lifeboat. The harbour has become full of sand and silt over recent years and is in dire need of dredging. As things stand boats cannot enter or leave the harbour during low tides, and the situation is getting exponentially worse. 

“Boats returning to port with their catch often have to wait at sea until the tide rises enough to allow them enter the harbour. There are serious concerns about the lifeboat being unable to respond to an emergency call at low tide due to being stuck in the harbour. Will it take a tragedy at sea before the coalition parties get their act together? 

“Responsibility for this situation lies with the political leadership of the Department – Fianna Fáil Minister Charlie McConalogue and his Green Party and Fine Gael junior ministers. He makes the regulations of the scheme and he has the ability to amend them. He is treating us as fools by trying to hide behind arbitrary rules that he himself has the authority to make, break or change.

“I have alerted the European Commission to the fact that the Department is using its own arbitrary rules to prevent European funding going to where it is needed – that the Government is presiding over a situation where a fisheries harbour is becoming unusable while the EU is providing some €35 million precisely to avoid this type of situation.

“Ultimately responsibility for this mess lies with Minister McConalogue and his colleagues in the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party Government.That said, the European Commission has a responsibility to ensure taxpayers’ money is spent correctly.  

“It is beyond time for action on this issue.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has written to the HSE Head of Primary Care regarding the allocation of Dungarvan-based patients to a doctor in Cappoquin. The situation has arisen due to the retirement of a long-standing and much respected Dungarvan family doctor.

McGuinness said:

“Its not acceptable that patients based in Dungarvan would be assigned to a GP in Cappoquin without any regard for their specific medical needs or ability to travel. For those with complex medical conditions or mobility issues such a move will cause hardship and impact on accessibility. The recent letters of assignment issued by the HSE has already caused great anxiety, particularly amongst older and infirm patients.

“I have written to the HSE Head of Primary Care to complain about the manner in which patients were assigned a new GP, and asked that the assignments would be reviewed with regard to patient’s individual needs.

“The situation that has arisen in Dungarvan is a direct result of the widercrisis in general practice, where a shortage of doctors is causing chaos for tens of thousands of patients. The Irish College of General Practice has referred to a ‘severe shortage’, with 1,600 doctors required to cover current shortages, and an additional 500 to cover projected shortages due to retirement. At present Ireland is only training some 230 doctors per year and not all of these will enter general practice. The response of the Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition is to bury their heads in the sand.

“My colleague David Cullinane has raised this issue with the Minister for Health and has outlined what a Sinn Féin government would do to address the crisis. We need action to expand GP and primary care services now, to increase capacity in doctor training, and to explore the option of directly hired GPs where necessary. David and I will continue to work together to ease the impacts of the crisis on patients across Dungarvan and West Waterford.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Minister O’Brien’s changes to the homeless HAP rates for outside of Dublin are too little, too late for Waterford. He said the proposed changes demonstrate an ignorance of the realities facing cities, towns and villages outside the capital.

McGuinness said:

“Last week Minister O’Brien made two changes to the Housing Assistance System. He raised the basic rate for single people and he increased the discretionary rate for homeless and at risk of homeless cases outside of Dublin from 20% to 35%. While the belated decision to raise the base rate for single people is welcome, the decision to raise the homeless HAP uplift rate outside of Dublin to 35% is disappointing. 

“People in emergency accommodation and at risk of homelessness in Dublin can avail of a 50% uplift. There is no reason why people outside of Dublin should not receive the same level of support. The Homeless HAP uplift rate should be 50% across the state. This decision suggests that the Minister is totally ignorant of the realities facing cities, towns and villages outside the capital. It begs the question, are his colleagues in Fianna Fáil not feeding the information to him? Does he simply not care about areas outside his own constituency? 

“The private rental market is West Waterford is dysfunctional. The word ‘crisis’ is no longer adequate to describe the situation of next to zero supply and huge and growing demand. Day in day out I am contacted by families and individuals that are only a step away from homelessness, who are staying in unsafe, inadequate or overcrowded accommodation in order to avoid becoming homeless.

“The changes proposed by Minister O’Brien are too little and too late. What was missing from the Minister’s statement was a more fundamental change to reverse the growing over-reliance on rental supports such as HAP, RAS and Rent Supplement.

“There are almost 100,000 households in receipt of rent subsidies. A third of all private rental tenancies are in receipt of HAP, RAS and Rent Supplement. The cost of these subsidies this year is almost €1 billion euro. Year on year more money is spent by Government on subsidising private rental than on building houses. 

“This year, Government plans to increase HAP tenancies by at least 10,000 households. This is because they are not delivering sufficient social housing.

“The Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Green Party coalition must increase their underwhelming and unambitious targets for social housing delivery and outline a plan to reduce the number of households in insecure and expensive subsidised private rental accommodation.

“Minister O’Brien must also ensure that Councils are free to purchase private rental properties with HAP, RAS and Rent Supplement tenants in situ with notices to quit and who are at risk of homelessness.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness was the only West Waterford political representative to vote against a 10% increase in the LPT. Sinn Féin had instead proposed a 10% reduction in LPT for Waterford homeowners. The vote took placee at the July meeting of Waterford City and County Council, and comes ahead of a re-valuation of homes, which will undoubtedly take into account the dramatic increase in house prices over recent years. 

McGuinness said:

“Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Green Party, Labour and some Independent members of Waterford City and County Council have voted to maintain the 10% increase in the Local Property Tax that was introduced last year. 

“Sinn Féin proposed a decrease of 10% to give homeowners in Waterford a break. 

“The decision of the establishment parties stands in start contrast to the vote in the Dáil last week which saw the Government parties continue to give multi-million euro tax breaks to investment funds so that they can snap up entire housing developments and lease them back to local authorities. 

“The LPT is a tax on the family home – its unfair, regressive and penalises people for owning their home. It heaps more expense on top of families that are balancing mortgage payments, with increasing utility prices, and a general increase in the cost of living. 

“Government needs to recognise and value local government – they need to stop neglecting local services. The first step is to provide adequate funding to Councils, funded from the exchequer i.e. from the income taxes, USC, VAT on essential items, stamp duty, and all the other charges, levies and taxes that workers and families pay.

“Our Council is perpetually starved of resources by Government. We are still many millions away from achieving pre-recession levels of funding, and services are suffering. Government would rather put their hands in working peoples pockets than address the tax breaks, loopholes and sweetheart deals that mean our public services are consistently underfunded.

“Sinn Féin in Government will get rid of the LPT and ensure that councils are funded sustainably from the exchequer to ensure delivery of public services at local level.”

Notes:

* Independent Councillors Séamus Ó Donnell, Mary Roche, Joe Kelly and Joe Conway voted for the 10% increase. All other Independents voted against. 

* Fianna Fáil Councillors Adam Wyse and Eddie Mulligan voted against the increase, as did Labour Councillor Séamus Ryan. All other Fianna Fáil and Labour councillors voted for a 10% increase. 

*All Fine Gael and Green Party councillors voted for a 10% increase. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness won the backing of all Dungarvan-Lismore District Councillors for his motion that calls on the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to allow his Department fund the preparatory works required to carry out dredging at Cé Heilbhic. McGuinness brought a formal, written motion before the July meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District Council. 

McGuinness said:

There is a dire need for dredging at Cé Heilbhic. Fishermen have experienced great difficulty in entering or leaving the harbour for some time, due to the build up of silt and sand. This situation is impacting the ability for local fishermen to effectively and safely carry out their work.

“Heilbhic is also strategically important due to the presences of the lifeboat station, which covers Dungarvan Bay and adjacent waters. There are concerns locally that the lifeboat may be unable to launch in an emergency situation – which puts lives at risk. 

“The build up of sand and silt at Heilbhic has taken place over several years and is getting worse as time goes on. Not only is it hampering the fishing industry locally, but it has also added more risk and hardship to an already dangerous occupation.

“As it stands, the Department of the Marine can provide funding to dredge harbours such as Cé Heilbhic, however they refuse to fund the necessary preparatory work that is legally required before dredging can take place – this includes assessments and planning that can sometimes cost as much as the dredging itself.

“The ball is firmly in the Government’s court on this issue. My hope is that the cross-party backing that I secured for this motion will add to the pressure on Minister McConalogue to make this common-sense amendment to his Department’s funding regulations. 

Sinn Féin Councillor for West Waterford has said that action is required in relation to the proposed construction of 17 houses at Railway Gardens in Lismore. He made the comments after council officials confirmed to him that the developer is not in a position to proceed with the project as agreed, and that it is now unlikely to go ahead. 

McGuinness said:

“Many younger couples and families from Lismore and surrounding areas are struggling to find accommodation in their hometown. They want to live here and to raise their families in the town. 

“The delivery of affordable and social housing in Lismore is crucial to allow younger people from the area remain living here or to return home to their community. 

“It appears that the Railway Garden’s social housing project is in serious trouble and will not go ahead as planned. The Council has confirmed to me that that developer cannot or will not proceed with the project.

“I believe the Council needs to take decisive action to ring fence the funding it has to hand, and to envisage an ambitious project for this site that includes a mix of affordable and social housing, and that protects the green space and outdoor amenity thats in daily use by existing residents. 

“The development needs to include affordable units alongside council-owned properties to take into account local need and the reality faced by many who find themselves just above the Council’s income thresholds. 

“I will continue to push for state investment in housing across West Waterford to meet the huge demand that is causing such difficulty for young people and families. 

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has been appointed as Peace Commissioner for Waterford and adjoining counties. 

The powers and duties of Peace Commissioners consist primarily of taking statutory declarations, witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities and signing certificates and orders under various pieces of legislation. 

It is an honorary position and a peace commissioner receives no remuneration or compensation from public funds. Peace commissioners are also not entitled to charge or receive for their own benefit any fee or compensation from members of the public.

McGuinness received his warrant of appointment from the Minister for Justice and is the first Sinn Féin politician to be named as a Peace Commissioner for Waterford. 

Speaking following his appointment Cllr McGuinness said: 

“Its an honour to be appointed to this voluntary position, and I am grateful to the Minister for seeing beyond party political lines and recognising the reality on the ground in West Waterford. There is considerable demand for the services of a Peace Commissioner in the area in terms of witnessing signatures and taking statutory declarations. 

“This appointment allows me to offer an enhanced service to my constituents across West Waterford, in terms of completing application forms and other official paperwork. I will undertake the duties of this appointment with the utmost integrity and I am very much looking forward to assisting my constituents in this new position.

“I will offer a fully bilingual service as Peace Commissioner for Waterford. Cuirfidh mé seirbhís i nGaelainn ar fáil ar fur fad an Chontae dóibh siúd a theastaíonn uatha a ghnó a dhéanamh trí mhéan ár dteanga náisiúnta.

“Currently, due to the public health situation, I am offering online clinics and I can arrange to meet in person with constituents by appointment. I hope to resume regular face-to-face clinics across West Waterford as soon as the situation improves. 

“As ever, I can be contacted on 087 9345603, at conor.mcguinness@sinnfein.ie or via social media. Full information on the role of Peace Commissioner, and a schedule of my regular advice clinics can be found on www.conormcguiness.ie”

05 July 2021

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has given an update on the Covid-19 outbreak in West Waterford, and commended the community, the public health team, and the National Ambulance Service for their response to date.

McGuinness said:

“There has been a huge response from the community locally, with well over 10% of the population attending for a test over the past ten days. People are taking this situation seriously and acting responsibly to protect themselves and their community.

“We want our community to be safe, and we want to see West Waterford fully open this summer.

“Thanks to everyone that has shown their support and played their part – those looking after relatives, those isolating, the 2000+ who presented for testing, the businesses and clubs that took difficult decisions in the interests of protecting the community, and the national ambulance service personnel doing trojan work in the test centre. 

“I  have been in regular contact with the HSE over the past fortnight through my role on the Regional Health Forum.

“As recently as Friday afternoon I was engaging with Ms. Kate Killeen-White, the Chief Officer of the HSE in the South East, to ask that the testing centre would remain open into this week. 

“Although the HSE has decided not to open the test centre this week  they will continue to monitor the situation closely They have committed to re-open if required.

“The test centre at Kilcohan in Wateford remains open 7 days a week. If you need a test but cannot travel to Kilcohan call 1800 700 700 and the HSE may be able to offer you an at-home test. 

“I believe we are coming very close to controlling this outbreak. Testing, tracing and a doubling down on the basic precautions should see us overcome it. “

West Waterford Sinn Féin has decided to establish a new cumann in the Lismore Local Electoral Area (LEA) to support the continued growth of the party in that area. Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness welcomed the decision and said that it demonstrates the appetite for political change that exists across Waterford. 

McGuinness said:

“Sinn Féin is growing across Co. Waterford. Our membership has increased dramatically over the past two or three years, and we are widely recognised as the most active political party across the City and County. 

“In my own area of West Waterford the party structure is going from strength to strength. Sinn Fein is looking ahead and putting an ambitious strategy in place to secure additional Dáil seats at the next general election, and to build on the work and visibility of our current Council Group in the next local elections. 

“Sinn Féin is organised into local branches that are known as cumainn. The Lismore LEA is a natural place for the party to expand by establishing a new cumann. We have scores of activists in the area, which includes Tallow, Ballyduff,, Knockanore, Lismore, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Touraneena, Ballynamult and Ballymacarbry.

“This is a positive step forward for Sinn Féin and for all those locally that want to see real political change in Ireland. The West Waterford cumann is to be commended for the hard work that has brought the party to this point. It will continue to operate within the Dungarvan LEA, and will work closely with the new cumann in the months and years ahead. 

“I am very privileged to represent the whole of West Waterford and this development will certainly assist me in my work. 

“We hope to hold an inaugural AGM in the coming weeks. For more information or to get involved in Sinn Féin locally give me a call on 087 9345603.”

The leader of the Sinn Féin group on Waterford Council Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that Waterford should be formally declared an ‘LGBT+ Freedom Zone’. 

Cllr McGuinness said:

“Waterford is an open, welcoming and tolerant place. The strong stand by the LGBT community itself as well as the outpouring of solidarity and support over recent weeks has shown that. As Pride month comes to close I think it is fitting that we formally declare our City and County to be an ‘LGBT Freedom Zone’. 

“Over the past month my abiding concern about the taking down of the pride flags and the appearance of homophobic posters has been the impact on young people that are coming to terms with their identity, or who are finding their place in society. We need to send a strong message to them – to tell them that we’ve got their back, and that we will face down hate and discrimination.

“The idea of ‘freedom zones’ began earlier this year as a way for towns and cities to demonstrate their support for LGBT+ members of society and their opposition to homophobia and discrimination.They stand in contrast to the homophobic ‘LGBT-free zones’ that have appeared in parts of Poland and Hungary, where rights for same-sex couples are under attack. 

“We people of Waterford have strongly rejected the recent cowardly manifestations of intolerance and homophobia in the City. The declaration of Waterford as an ‘LGBT Freedom Zone’ allows us to re-state our conviction that we are a safe, tolerant and welcoming place for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged the government to stand up for Irish fishermen and end the long-running injustices in the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.

He made the comments at the demonstration by fishing families that took place on the Liffey and outside the Convention Centre in Dublin. All five of Waterford’s Sinn Féin councillors attended the demonstration alongside Waterford TD David Cullinane, and the party’s fisheries spokesperson Padraig MacLochlainn TD. 

McGuinness said:

“We are calling on the government to stand up for Irish fishermen and end the injustice of the current Common Fisheries Policy. This terrible policy has devastated Ireland’s fishing communities.

“This government has failed to act and stand up for our fishing communities.

“They have sat idly by again while an injustice has continued whereby Ireland has 12% of the waters in the EU but our fishermen are only allowed to catch 4% of the fish”

“This costs our State thousands of jobs and hundreds of million worth of seafood every year. It is shameful and the government has shown it is totally unwilling to act and stand up for our fishing communities.

“Fishing is an intrinsic part of the life of our communities all along the Waterford coastline, from Youghal Bay to the Suir Estuary.

“The economic potential of our sea fisheries sector has not been fully realised. Damaging and neglectful policies by successive governments have held the industry back, while our maritime natural resources have been gifted to large-scale fishing operations in Spain, France and Belgium. 

“We now need a statement of intent from our government that they will fight tooth and nail for Ireland’s fair share of the fish in our waters when the Common Fisheries Policy is revisited.

“We also urgently need an equal burden sharing of the loss of fish quota arising from the EU/ UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement amongst the fishing fleets of all EU Member States. This quota loss amounts to tens of millions of euro each year to our fleet.

“Locally we need to see targeted investment in maintaining fisheries harbours, including dredging Cé Heilbhic, as well as a resolution to the landing ban for British registered boats at Dunmore East. 

“Today the fishing community has come out in force in Dublin to send a strong message to those in power that this disgraceful situation cannot continue any longer. I am calling on the government to listen to their calls. 

“Sinn Féin will stand with our fishing communities and stand up for their rights.”

Speech by Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness at the centenary commemoration for James Quain held at Kinsalebeg, May 2021.

a chairde, 

I want to say a few words this afternoon as we remember young James Quain, who was shot and killed one hundred years ago today. 

At the outset I would like to thank Liam Allen for organising this dignified commemoration to mark the centenary of this sad event. Liam is the chair of the Piltown Cross Ambush Committee and is a great representative for Sinn Féin in the Kinsalebeg / Clashmore area.

I am happy to see family members of James Quain here. I know his memory is treasured by his relations, and this is a day of sadness as well as pride. 

Liam sent me a photograph of James Quain during the week. I was immediately struck by his youth – here was a fresh faced young man, on the threshold of adulthood, and with his future to look forward to. 

We think back on that turbulent time in our country’s history and we imagine that those who participated in that war against empire were titans, giants of men, battle-hardened war heroes and veteran guerrillas. 

Some were, but for the most part they were young men and women, in their late teens or early twenties – old head on young shoulders., they were fearless, determined, visionary, but they were young and they had their whole lives ahead of them. 

They were excited for the future. They knew it belonged to them, and they set about the work of shaping that future. 

Their grandparent’s generation had starve under the yoke of empire. Their fathers and brothers had been mowed down at Gallipoli and the Somme as cannon fodder for the empire. Their mothers struggled under the enforced poverty that saw the wealth of their nation stripped by empire. 

James Quain knew that things had to change and that is why he looked up to the volunteers of the IRA and became involved in the Republican movement. He wanted to play his part in the struggle for Irish unity and independence. As a teenager he pressed the local leadership to allow him become an IRA volunteer. 

As the Tan War raged across Munster, the West Waterford Brigade of the IRA was bringing the fight to the British – forcing them to concentrate their numbers into ever fewer garrisons. The strategy was to liberate the country one bruning barracks at a time, to cut communications, and to make their oldest colony ungovernable. 

The IRA had put the British on notice: West Waterford was no longer to be considered part of the Empire. The message was being delivered loud and clear – the only safe place for crown forces was the boat back to England.

The Empire fought back – pouring men and weaponry into Ireland. Terrorising civilians and targeting towns and cities in vicious reprisals. 

They feared losing their oldest colony, but more than that they feared the radical and democratic revolution that was taking place across the country. Working people were fighting to liberate their country and to end the endemic poverty and inequality that marred their lives. 

The 3rd Battalion of theIRA covered an area stretching from An Sean Phobal along the coast to Ardmore and from An Rinn over the Drum Hills to Clashmore. The Battalion had been engaged in several operations against British forces including the Marines stationed at Ardmore. 

It was also involved in the intelligence war at local level, and had become adept at intercepting and disrupting enemy communications. 

The British believed the 3rd Battalion headquarters was located close to Ferry Point in and a detachment of 40 Marines landed here from Youghal on the 10th of May 1921.

The moved across the countryside in an effort to engage or apprehend the Republican forces. In a simultaneous operation a smaller unit of Marines moved out from Ardmore towards Ferry Point.

James Quain and his friend Eddie Lynch were on guard duty in the area. On observing the Marines they set out to warn their comrades, who were resting nearby. Some of the Marines were on motorbikes and weren’t long in catching up to the two young men. 

Called on to surrender, Lynch was taken into custody and Quain was shot and killed. Both men were unarmed. 

On hearing the shots, the local company quickly assembled and engaged the Marines, forcing them back to their boat and to Youghal. No other Republicans were killed, captured, or injured, and no arms or equipment was lost. 

The war would rage on in Waterford and around the country for another two months before the British were forced to seek a truce and to negotiate. 

The subsequent treaty and partition, the civil war, and the establishment of the Free State as a backward and conservative entity will no doubt be discussed in great detail over the coming months and years. 

In the midst of the analysis, discussion and reflection that will take place over the coming period, it is important that we remember the courage and dedication of young men like James Quain. Its important that we gather like this to remember him, but the only full and fitting tribute we can give him and his comrades is to deliver the Republic – to build the united and independent Ireland that he fought for, and that he ultimately died for. 

Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

Up the Republic!

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has criticised the government for refusing to provide relief for hard-pressed mortgage holders, despite the European Banking Authority allowing for the reactivation of Covid-19 payment breaks since 2nd December.

McGuinness is a member of the European Committee of the Regions and has been following the authorisation of mortgage breaks across EU member states and regions  over recent months. 

McGuinness said:

“On 2nd December, the European Banking Authority reactivated its Covid-19 payment break guidelines to provide support and relief to borrowers.

“This would have allowed the government and the banks to put in place payment break extensions for the duration of the latest round of public health restrictions, with an application deadline of 31st March.

“This would have allowed banks to provide payment breaks without charging additional interest or impacting the credit records of borrowers. However, the government have refused to secure or even seek this extension for mortgage-holders and SMEs.

“This is despite so many workers and families being under significant financial pressure due to Level 5 restrictions.

“The reintroduction of targeted Covid-19 payment breaks would provide real relief to such borrowers, but they are being denied this relief by a slow and unresponsive government.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation from Council management that the local authority’s public lighting maintenance contract is currently out for tender. McGuinness has consistently raised concerns about value for money, responsiveness and other performance indicators in relation to the maintenance of public lighting in the Dungarvan-Lismore district. McGuinness raised the issue during the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

McGuinness said:

“I welcome the confirmation this afternoon that the public lighting maintenance contract is currently out to tender, and that council management has amended some the key performance indicators (KPIs) and terms in the contract in an effort to reach the highest standards of service.

“As this is a live tender I won’t make further comment except to thank Council management for listening to my feedback over the past number of months. The process is due to be completed over the coming month, with a new contract awarded in April.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the refusal by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to fund dredging works in local authority fisheries harbours is penny wise but pound foolish. He made the comments after the February meeting of Waterford Council, where he had raised the issue of funding harbour improvements.

McGuinness said:

“The Department is quite prepared to provide us with funding to undertake structural improvements to our fishery piers and harbours. These are important works and the funding is very welcome, however its doesn’t make much sense when the same Department refuses to make money available to local authorities to maintain these same piers and harbours.

“Cé Heilbhic is a perfect example. The Government is happy to invest money in strengthening works to improve the pier and the breakwater, but in low tides the mouth of the harbour is impassable to all but the smallest of boats.

“The harbour badly needs to be dredged to remove a build up of sand and silt. Not only is this impacting the local fishing community, but it may also have an impact on the ability of the lifeboat station to provide its essential emergency services on Dungarvan Bay and adjacent waters.

“This is bureaucratic nonsense at its best. I am calling on Minister McConalogue to intervene directly to address this ridiculous loophole that has hamstrung Waterford Council and harbour-users over recent years. “

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the inclusion of significant road surface improvement works along the N72, and the long-awaited safety improvement works on the N25. The works are included in the Annual Service Plan that was approved at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

McGuinness said:

“I was glad to propose the adoption of the Council’s annual service plan which includes commitments to complete significant road surface improvement works among the N72. these works will see the completion of the ongoing works between Lismore and Tallow. It also includes the commencement of surface works at Ballyrafter and phase 2 of the Kealroe works.

“The road surface at these locations have been in dire need of improvement for years, and I have received frequent calls and messages from constituents about its condition. I am glad that these works will now go ahead. I have asked that the Council ensure regular and accurate communication so that road-users have plenty of notice of delays and diversions.

“I am also very happy that the long-awaited road safety works on the N25 form part of our 2021 plan. Sinn Féin has been making the argument for these works over the past number of years, and we made sure that sufficient funding would be available to carry out these works.

“The 2021 plan includes road safety works on the N25 at Leamybrien, Kiely’s Cross Cushcam and Carroll’s Cross. They will lead to some disruption on this route, but I have asked that advance notice is given of diversions and closures, and that sufficient space is made available for emergency vehicles.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the pending review of the Council’s development contribution scheme provides a useful opportunity to introduce measures to make investment in eco-friendly methods and specifications more attractive to developers and self-builders alike. He made the comments at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council, where management proposed the scheme would be reviewed in tandem with the drafting of the new city and county development plan.

McGuinness said:

“Its important that we review this scheme alongside the new Development Plan. Last month the Council provided a clear direction to the Chief Executive that the new plan should contain a very strong commitment to climate action. This direction included a focus on energy efficiency and micro-generation of clean electricity.

“I would like to see greater incentives for self-builders and for developers to future-proof new homes with high-spec energy efficiency features, and technology to support micro-generation of electricity.

“I believe the next Development Contribution Scheme gives us a chance to introduce incentives to make investment in eco-friendly methods and specs more attractive from a financial point of view. I can’t see why the Council wouldn’t be prepared to offer modest reductions in development charges for homes that include the highest level of energy efficiency, or that are set up to generate clean electricity.

“Such a policy would need to be complemented by national government funding to allow existing homeowners to invest in retrofitting energy efficiency measures, and support for local authorities to bring council housing stock up to spec.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has thanked fellow councillors for giving their unanimous backing to the new Casual Trading Byelaws that he helped to draft. The new regulations were formally adopted at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

McGuinness said:

“As a member of the Economic Development and Enterprise Committee I am grateful for the unanimous support of the Council for these new and improved byelaws.

“I want to thank the council officials that oversaw a very well subscribed public consultation process, and who help us draft the byelaws at committee level.

“I believe they achieve a level of balance between city and county, between urban and rural, and between the toe and scale of trading areas on offer. There is also a healthy balance between the creation of a number of new trading areas and the retention of some long established ones.

“The byelaws allow for a trading area at Durrow Train Station on the Greenway, which will include much needed toilet facilities, as well as a brand new pitch at Ceann Heilbhic in the Waterford Gaeltacht. I am also particularly excited about the new farmers market in Tallow, and the potential to develop a similar offering at the train station in Kilmacthomas.

“I am also happy that the proposals that I have made regarding environmentally-friendly packaging, and the submissions made regarding single-use plastics, also made their way into the new byelaws. Its important that the Council supports a move away from non-compostable or non-recycling packaging.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness questioned the ongoing delay affecting the allocation of Department of Transport funding for the annual Road Works Programme at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

“A series of workshops were to take place across the three council districts this week to discuss the Road Works Programme for 2021 however these were canceled as the Department for Transport has yet to provide a funding allocation to Waterford Council.

“Our roads network requires significant investment and this funding is essential to keeping roads safe and accessible. The delay is concerning. We usually receive an allocation in January, which gives us time to decide priorities and put together district-level work plans.

“Given the current public health restrictions its harder than ever to schedule works. Every additional piece of uncertainty makes that task more difficult. This delay is not helpful, and it speaks to a general air of confusion and uncertainty on the part of Government.

“There are ongoing tensions within Government regarding the Green Party’s reluctance to provide funding for roads infrastructure. Concerns have been expressed that this delay might be part of a power play by Minister Eamon Ryan.

“Whatever the cause of the delay, we need certainty, and the Council needs to be assured that the Road Work Programme funding will be made available. “

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the public must be consulted at all stages and on all projects as part of the roll-out of the sustainable transport projects that have been announced by the National Transport Authority. McGuinness raised a number of questions regarding recent transport announcements during the February meeting of Waterford Council.

McGuinness said:

“Today’s announcement by the NTA is to be welcomed. Some of the funding had already been announced, but when taken together it does constitute a significant inward investment.

“Involving the public from the start, and truly listening to their ideas and concerns will be key in ensuring this money is well spent.

“The smarter travel initiative in Dungarvan several years ago has left a number of legacy issues, and led to significant public criticism. Its important that we learn the lessons and that public consultation is hard-wired into all the projects that will be funded under this new sustainable transport scheme.

“I would have liked to see greater investment in West Waterford, and while the bulk of funding is centred on the City and the East of the County, this type of investment will have a knock-on impact.

“I welcome the confirmation from Director of Services Fergus Galvin at today’s meeting that the new cycle design offices will result in 10 – 12 new jobs in the Council. Its unclear if staffing levels will ever return to what it was before the economic crash and the austerity years, but every increase is to be welcomed.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has called on all parties to work together to address the legal issues surrounding the use of CCTV by local authorities to detect illegal dumpers. McGuinness raised the issue at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council, where he asked that the Council write to each political party in the Dáil on the matter.

McGuinness said:

“I have long advocated the use of CCTV, and in particular mobile CCTV, to tackle illegal dumping. This criminal behaviour costs the taxpayer millions of euro every year, it harms our environment, and its a slap in the face to all of us.

“I questioned why CCTV was no longer being deployed to detect illegal dumpers at last months Council meeting, and in response it came to light that Waterford Council had been instructed to cease using CCTV by the Data Protection Commissioner.

“It appears that there are significant grey areas that need to be addressed in primary legislation before local authorities can confidently use CCTV to police illegal dumping, littering, dog fouling, and a host of other anti-social or criminal behaviour. I have already raised this with the Sinn Féin team in the Dáil and Seanad with a view to getting urgent legislation passed, however its clear that a cross-party approach may result in a quicker turnaround.

“This is something that needs to happen soon, and I have asked that the Council to write to the party whips in the Dáil, asking them to work together to bring back urgent legislation to address this grey area and to close the loophole that prevents local authorities from deploying CCTV.”

Sinn Féin’s leader on Waterford City and County Council has secured cross-party support to hold a single-purpose meeting of Waterford City and County meeting to prepare a submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the proposed Lyrenacarriga wind farm outside Knockanore. The Councillor raised the issue at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

McGuinness said:

“The Sinn Féin council group will be making a strong submission in support of the community in and around Lyrenacarriga. This is a vibrant rural community that supports a significant population.

“Waterford Council signalled its strong objection to this type of development in 2018 when it voted to amend the development plan. I believe the Council now has an obligation to make this position known to An Bord Pleanála in the strongest terms. I am glad that I received cross-party support for my proposal to hold a meeting to draft a submission. The final decision to call such a meeting rests with the Mayor, and I have issued him with a formal request.

“Wind energy has an important part to play in our move away from damaging fossil fuels, however we have a duty to be careful and considered in how we develop wind energy. I don’t believe the proposed development at Lyrenacarriga achieves the balanced and forward-looking type of development that we as a country need and deserve.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed the resolution of the long-running saga regarding the property occupied by the Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club in Dungarvan. McGuinness secured the backing of the full Council for his proposal to offer the club a 75 year lease on the land.

McGuinness said:

“This very complicated issue has been running for a long number of years, and I am glad that it has finally been resolved. Many public representatives have been involved in pushing for a solution during that time.

“The Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club provides a fantastic amenity for the people of Dungarvan, Abbeyside, and surrounding areas. It caters to all ages and provides a much needed piece of community infrastructure.

“Following on from the Council’s recent Compulsory Purchase Order I proposed that the land in question be disposed of by way of a 75 year lease. This offers a level of stability and sustainability for the club.”

Sinn Féin has called on Waterford City and County Council to make a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála regarding the Lyrenacarriga wind farm application. Group leader Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness has requested that a special meeting is called for Councillors to have their say on the proposed development, and to draft a formal submission to An Bord Pleanála. McGuinness has previously raised concerns aboutthe development of large-scale wind farm in environmentally sensitive parts of Co. Waterford, and in close proximity to rural homes and businesses.

McGuinness said:

“The application for this development has been submitted directly to An Bord Pleanála, over the head of Waterford City and County Council. It ignored the clear and democratic decision by Waterford Council in 2018 that make West Waterford a ‘No Go Area’ for this type of wind development.

“There are questions about efficacy, environmental impact, and legacy planning, not to mention the imposition on a vibrant rural community. For our part the Sinn Féin Council Group will be making a detailed submission. I believe the full Council should also meet to discuss this matter in detail and to formulate an all-of-Waterford, cross-party submission to An Bord Pleanála.

“Sinn Féin is in favour of sustainable energy. We believe that wind has a big part to play in the generation of clean electricity. My party colleague Brian Stanley has a bill before the Dáil to introduce common-sense, up to date, and fit for purpose regulations for the wind energy sector. I have argued for a commitment to micro-generation to be included in the County Development Plan that is currently being drafted. While we recognise that an urgent move from fossil fuels is essential, its important that we plan calmly and responsibly – and not rush to build colossal turbines in sensitive and vulnerable parts of our countryside.”

ENDS

Dúirt Conor McGuinness, Comhairleoir de chuid Shinn Féin, go bhfuil deis ag an rialtas beart de réir a bhriathar a déanamh i dtaobh seirbhísí stáit sa Ghaeltacht, agus Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla á phlé sa Dáil faoi láthair.

Dúirt McGuinness:

“Tá Oifigigh Pleanála Teanga na hÉireann, maraon le go leor eagrais agus guthanna Gaetachta eile, ag éileamh ar an Aire Catherine Martin, agus ar an Aire Stáit Jack Chambers go gcinnteofar go mbeidh seirbhísí ón Stát ar fáil as Gaelainn sna ceantair Gaeltachta i mBille na dTeangacha

Oifigiúla.

“Caithfidh an Státseirbhís na dualgaisí atá acu a aithint agus a chomhlíonadh gan ceist maidir leis an dteanga náisiúnta, gurb í an phríomhtheanga oifigiúil í go dlíthiúil. Muna féidir leis an earnáil phoiblí cearta teanga saoránaigh na tíre seo a chosaint agus a ráthú, cén teachtaireacht a sheolann san amach?

“Cén mhaitheas Bille a dhréachtadh chun seirbhísí as Gaelainn “a láidriú” má theiptear go sonrach ar sheirbhísí ón Stát a bheith as Gaelainn sna Gaeltachtaí?

“Tá leasú ar an mBille molta ag Sinn Féin chun sainmhiniú soiléir agus daingeann a dhéanamh ar ‘inniúlacht sa Ghaelainn’, le cinntiú go mbeadh cumas láidiracu siúd atá fostaithe sa státseirbhís de barr a n-inniúlacht.

“Tá sé molta ag urlabhraí Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta Shinn Féin, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, gur ceart ar a laghad 20% do fhostaithe nua sa státseirbhís bheith inniúlacht sa Ghaelainn, agus ba cheart dóibh léiriú, ar a laghad, léibhéal B2 sa theanga, de réir an Comhchreat Tagartha na hEorpa um Theangacha. Is é an seo an bunleibhéal do fostaí a bhíonn ag feidhmiú trí Bhreatnais sa Bhreatain Bheag, nó in aon teanga sna hinstitiúidí de chuid an Aontas Eorpach.

“Caithfidh an rialtas seo beart de réir a bhriathar a dhéanamh. Gheall Fianna Fáil agus an Comhaontas Glas grian agus gealach do mhuintir na Gaeltachta roimh an olltoghcháin. Is léir anois go bhfuil siad ar tarraingt siar ar na gealltanais seo.

“Tá an deis anois ann reachtaíocht atá thar am chéanna féin a achtú, agus é a dhéanamh i gceart. Ná bíodh sé le rá gur theip ar an Stát aríst cothrom na Féinne a thaispeáint do lucht na Gaeltachta agus don nGaelainn ach go háirithe.”

CRÍOCH

McGuinness: Gaeltacht should not be denied state services in Irish

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor McGuinness has said that the Official Languages Bill, which is currently before the Dáil, provide the Government with an opportunity to do right by the Gaeltacht when it comes to the provision of state services in Irish

McGuinness said:

“Gaeltacht planning officers, along with many other Gaeltacht organisations and activists, are calling on Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State Jack Chambers to ensure that state services are made available in Irish in the Gaeltacht areas in the Gaeltacht.

“The Civil Service must recognise and fulfill its duties in relation to the national language, which is also legally the principal official language of the state. If the public sector cannot protect and guarantee the language rights of the citizens of this country, what message does it send?

What good is drafting a Bill to “strengthen” services in Irish if there is a specific failure to provide state services through Irish within the Gaeltacht?

“Sinn Féin has proposed an amendment to the Bill to give a clear and strong definition of ‘proficiency in Irish’, to ensure that those employed in the civil service based on their Irish proficiency actually have enough Irish to fulfil their roles.

“Sinn Féin spokesperson Aengus Ó Snodaigh, has recommended that a minimum of 20% of new employees in the civil service should be proficient in Irish, and should demonstrate at least a B2 level in Irish according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This is the basic level for an employee who works through the medium of Welsh in Wales, or in any language in the institutions of the European Union.

“The Government must practice what they preached. Fianna Fáil and the Green Party promised the people of the Gaeltacht sun and moon before the general election. It is now clear that they are rolling back these promises.

“We have an opportunity now to enact long-awaited legislation, and to do it right. Let it not be said that the State has once again failed to show fairness to the people of the Gaeltacht and to the Irish language in particular.”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that the Government must intervene to address the disruption seen in the Green Cert applications system.

Conor McGuinness said:

“Students were told that they had secured places on Green Cert courses. Only after paying their fees were they informed that a mistake had been made.

“Refunds have been issued but the problem is far from resolved. The prospective students now have no place.

“Sinn Féin has written to the Minister to urge him to work closely with the education providers to maximise places for this year. The students that were offered a place should be given one.

“The qualification is extremely important to young farmers and young people interested in entering the sector. Delays to qualification can have real knock-on impact on farming careers and incomes.

“Young people cannot get into farming if the government is unable to provide the necessary training required to become a qualified farmer.

“Every year we have a situation where young people have to scramble for a limited number of places on Green Cert courses.

“Additional course places should have been created to meet the level of demand in advance of the opening of applications. There is just no excuse for this shortage.”

Sinn Féin councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said the Government must listen to students, and give them an input on how their Leaving Certificate will take place.

McGuinness said:

“The past year has been very difficult for everyone, including children and young people in education. Leaving Cert students have been hit with uncertainty and confusion. Sinn Féin has engaged with thousands of Leaving Cert students, including with representative organisations such as the ISSU. They are understandably anxious and stressed. They do not feel like they are being kept in the loop.

“They are calling out for clarity and for their voices to be heard. Sinn Féin have listened. It is clear that students want a choice between alternative means of assessment and an exam for those who wish to sit one.

“The Minister talks about a traditional Leaving Cert, but she must recognise the realities. This has not been a traditional year. Students have lost enormous learning time last year and this year again, and it is at this point unclear when students will be back in the classroom.

“Not knowing what is happening is putting huge pressure on students, and I know from speaking to them and their families that it is seriously impacting on their mental health. The government urgently needs to give clarity to them.

“The lack of contingency planning is alarming. The Minister needs to set out a plan now to ensure that we don’t see a repeat of last year’s fiasco.

“If calculated grades are going to be used, then there are fairer ways of checking the accuracy of these grades. The Minister must urgently exam these and ensure that unfair school profiling and algorithms are not used.

“I also recognise that many students may still want to sit written Leaving Cert exams. These students must also be facilitated, pending public health advice. The Department of Education must do all they can to ensure that students have this choice to make.

“If a decision is made quickly, then all students can avail of CAO and UCAS offers this Autumn, regardless of their choice.

“The Minister need to urgently engage with all stakeholders, and to take the necessary steps to facilitate this choice.

“Sinn Féin want to be constructive. We will work with the Minister and all stakeholders and other parties to ensure that Leaving Cert students are given a choice, and will continue to work hard to give students a voice.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has expressed his dismay at the Central Bank’s most recent financial outlook, which projects that 23,000 fewer homes will be built across the state between 2020 and 2022 due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. 

McGuinness said:

“The Central Bank has warned that with fewer homes being delivered, combined with rising demand due to a build-up of savings, the housing crisis could be exacerbated due to a lack of supply.

“The warning is stark, but it is not unprecedented. The Covid-19 restrictions were always going to impact the delivery of new homes.

“The housing market across Waterford means that its next to impossible for younger couples or individuals to buy a home, with a knock on impact on the private rental market. 

“Unfortunately, this government will fuel this rising demand for homes, which will lead to higher houses prices, with the introduction of their ‘affordable’ housing shared equity scheme.

“The most effective way to address the supply crisis is to double capital investment in public housing and reform the public spending code to deliver more social and affordable homes faster.

“In our Alternative Budget for 2021, Sinn Féin pledged to commence the largest public house building programme in the history of the state.

“We would increase capital expenditure for social and affordable housing by an additional €1.5bn on last year’s levels, bringing the total capital spend to €2.8bn

“This would deliver 12,000 real social homes, 4,000 affordable rental homes and 4,000 affordable purchase homes.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that littering is on the increase locally, and that reports published this week by An Taisce and the Irish Business Against Litter group shows that this is part of a national trend of increased littering due to the pandemic. The West Waterford representative said there was a worrying level of PPE being discarded on the ground in public areas such as footpaths and car parks.

McGuinness said:

“Whatever the background to the increase, the fact remains that we all have a duty to dispose of our rubbish responsibly. The pandemic and restrictions are clearly factors in this increase, but we shouldn’t accept littering as inevitable or excusable.

“I am receiving frequent calls, texts and messages about littering in many of West Waterford’s most popular walks and trails, but I am also hearing reports about car parks and housing estates.

“The Irish Business Against Litter survey reports a sharp rise in the amounts of litter on approach roads to towns and villages, and along popular walking routes. This is clearly a result of an increase in people out walking.

“The majority of people are quite prepared to bring their rubbish home with them and throw it in their own bin. Unfortunately a small minority of people have no problem throwing their rubbish on the ground for someone else to tidy up.

“The Council and businesses also has a role to play here. Current policy is against installing additional public bins. I believe there is a strong argument to be made to place additional litter bins in busy pedestrian areas, and for them to be emptied more regularly.

“Businesses that offer take away food and drinks should be also play a greater role in tackling litter by using less packaging and encouraging their customers to return cups and other waste.

“I am very worried about the amount of disposable PPE, such as masks and gloves, that is being thrown on the ground. There is a clear public health concern about this type of littering. HSE advice is to dispose of used face masks in plastic bag, which should be sealed, and placed with normal household rubbish in a closed bin. Hands should be washed with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitiser.

“While additional bins and better enforcement is important, the key message has to be not to litter in the first place. Not only is it anti-social and damaging to the environment, but in the current circumstances its potentially dangerous.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has said that HAP tenants are bearing the brunt of sanctions that are supposed to tackle the issue of bad landlords renting sub-standard or dangerous accommodation. Speaking at the January Plenary meeting of Waterford Council, McGuinness said that HAP tenants were being put in a Catch-22 situation.

He said:

“Tenants in receipt of support under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme are being forced into a dilemma when it comes to reporting sub-standard, unsafe of inadequate accommodation to the Council. 

“HAP tenants live in private rental accommodation while the Council subsidises a part of their rent. The scheme is in lieu of council housing, and was introduced as a recognition by Government that it could not, or would not, built sufficient housing units. Successive national budgets have allocated more money to this scheme to actual house-building. 

“I have previously raised the cruel dilemma faced by families in HAP accommodation who on one hand are concerned about the quality of their accommodation – and on the other hand don’t wish to have housing supports removed. 

“The one sanction that the Council has for dealing with bad landlords that let substandard properties is to remove HAP supports. Unfortunately this only affects the tenants, and pushes them close to homelessness.

“I know of several households in Dungarvan and across West Waterford, who will not report their accommodation to the Council, despite very serious and ongoing issues with the properties that is going unaddressed by landlords. These range from chronic dampness, faulty doors and windows, structural issues, exposed wiring and plumbing issues.

“Tenants know that an inspection will see the property deemed unfit, and rent supports stopped. In the current rental marker there is very little chance they can find alternative accommodation. They have to choose between an unhealthy or unsafe home, or no home at all. 

“This needs to be addressed. Its not fair that tenants are forced into this dilemma. Its also not right that bad landlords that continue to get paid from the public purse, while renting sub-standard, and sometimes unsafe, properties. 

“I have written to the Housing Minister asking for action to be taken to protect tenants in this type of situation, and I have requested that the Council’s Housing Department consider naming and shaming landlords that persistently rent out sub-standard or unsafe properties.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has given a cautious welcome to the public consultation on a proposed new micro-generation scheme. He made the comments at the January meeting of Waterford City and County Council. He said any micro generation scheme brought forward by Government mush be accessible to low and middle-income families as well as high-earners. McGuinness has been lobbying for greater supports for microgeneration and has made submissions on the matter to both the Southern Regional Assembly and as part of the Waterford Development Plan process.

McGuinness said:

“Microgeneration of energy offers a more horizontal, democratic and sustainable way of generating electricity at local level. Its becoming the norm across much of the developed world, and is a strong alternative to coal-burning power plants, nuclear energy and colossal wind farms. 

“It usually involves making electricity through small scale wind-turbines or solar panels on homes, farms or public buildings. That electricity is then used in the building, and excess is sold back to the national grid for use elsewhere. I have been lobbying for a commitment to micro-generation to be included in the forthcoming City and County Development Plan that is currently being drafted, and for Waterford to be a leader in championing a fair and socially just approach to climate action. 

“We have been waiting a long time for some movement on this issue. In fact it is almost four years since Sinn Féin introduced its Micro-generation Support Bill. While I welcome that Government have begun a public consultation on this issue, I am concerned given the historical failure of both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to support micro-generation. 

“The Green Party track record on water charges and carbon taxes shows that they have no issue with passing the cost of climate action on to ordinary households, while we spend public money on fines to facilitate huge corporate polluters. They need to get this one right. A botched scheme will hurt ordinary workers and families, and will do little to address climate change. 

“Micro-generation works when its accessible to all household types, and where barriers, including financial barriers, are avoided through responsive and well thought-out public policy. For this scheme to work it needs to be accessible to ordinary people and families. Sinn Féin will be making a submission as part of the consultation, and I have asked that Waterford Council does likewise. 

“The closing date for submissions is 18 February and further details can be found on www.conormcguinness.ie or http://www.gov.ie.”

West Waterford Sinn Féin is putting its best foot forward for 2021 and will seek to build on the large increase in activity and membership in 2020. The West Waterford cumann held its AGM via Zoom on Thursday and elected a strong officer board that is set to ‘hit the ground running’ for the year ahead. The meeting was addressed by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Public Expenditure and Reform and Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell.

Support for Sinn Féin stands at 29% according to recent opinion polls. This makes it the most popular party in the state, having eclipsed Fine Gael, and counting almost twice as much support as Fianna Fáil. In the North the party is in joint place with the DUP at 28% in terms of popularity. 

Speaking after the AGM, incoming chairperson of West Waterford Sinn Féin, Seamus Kiersey, said: 

“Sinn Féin in West Waterford has hit the ground running for 2021. This is the time for us to demonstrate the vision and the ambition that is needed to deliver a fresh start.

Active Year for Sinn Féin

“2020 has been an exceptionally active year for us, despite the pandemic that is causing chaos at home and abroad. Sinn Féin’s vision to give workers and families a break really resonated with the electorate and saw David Cullinane elected with votes to spare. 

“It was an election called because the Fine Gael Minister for Health faced a motion of no-confidence because the health system was on the verge of collapse; with staff leaving in their droves, elderly people left to suffer for days on hospital trolleys and out of control waiting lists. 

“We had an out of touch government that supported developers and landlords, while working families were unable to afford a home, rents spiralled and people who worked hard all of their lives were told they would have to line up at the dole queue at 65. 

“It was the strong desire for change and a better future that saw so many people placing their trust in us as Sinn Féin received a historic vote and our support has continued to grow since.

Unfortunately the old boys club circled the wagons to keep us out of Government, but we are providing a much-needed and constructive opposition in the Dáil. We remain ready for Government, and eager to roll out our plans and policies on housing, healthcare, education and jobs. 

“Our local Councillor Conor McGuinness has been working exceptionally hard, on housing, on environmental issues, on planning and on helping communities get through the Covid crisis. We’re grateful for his work and for his determination to do right by his constituents. His work rate and ability have shown up the weakness of local government representation in West Waterford. 

“During the year we held a range of online events and, when restrictions allowed, a number of outdoor, socially-distanced initiatives. These included our online meeting on workers’ rights during Covid, commemorative events, 5km litter picks and clean-ups, online historical talks, and cumann meetings with guest speakers on a host of different topics. 

“We also distributed hundreds of Easter Lilies safely by post, and where possible within the prevailing restrictions, we ensured the graves of West Waterford’s IRA volunteers were tidied and anniversaries were marked.

Strong Team for West Waterford

We have elected a very strong and dynamic team locally, who will work together to build the party and to outline our vision for change. Our incoming officer board contains both youth and experience, and a healthy geographic and gender balance. The officer board is comprised of:

Seamus Kiersey – Chair / Cathaoirleach

Brendan Mansfield – Runaí /Secretary

Phyllis Davis – Treasurer / Cisteoir

Nora Mhic Gearailt – Treasurer / Cisteoir

Sinéad Mansfield – Vice-chair / Leaschathaoirleach

Bláthanna Creedon – Vice-secretary / Leasrunaí

Pia Fresenborg – PRO / Oifigeach Cumarsáide

Conor McGuinness – Irish Language Officer / Oifigeach Gaeilge

John Creedon – Membership Officer / Oifigeach Ballraíochta

“I want to thank all who put themselves forward for positions. The level of interest reflects the increase in members over the past year, and the level of activity within our cumann. We put our best foot forward as we face into another challenging year for our country and our communities. 

Making a Fresh Start

“2021 is the time to show the vision and the ambition needed to deliver a fresh start. The weaknesses exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has made the desire for change even stronger.

“We need to continue to support people in the coming months so that businesses can re-open and people can get back to work – but we need to do much more than that.  

“A fresh start means being able to afford the roof over your head, and we need the biggest affordable and social housing programme in the history of the State – not big pay days for wealthy developers and big landlords. We need to make homes affordable for workers again and out of control rents must be tackled head-on. 

“We need to sort out our health services once and for all – and that starts with treating frontline workers properly and making sure they see their future here in Ireland and not the far side of the world.  

“We need to ensure that when you have worked hard all of your life that you have the right to retire on a State pension at 65 if you want to.  

“The two states that emerged from partition one-hundred years ago were, and remain, deeply flawed. The Mother and Baby Home scandal shows just how deeply the southern state and the political establishment failed its own people under successive Governments. More recent scandals, usually affecting and hurting women, show that despite huge social changes, the state’s approach to its people hasn’t changed very much from the 1950s. 

“”We need to deepen the conversation about ending Partition and delivering Irish Unity. The Irish government needs to start planning, because the reality is that we cannot afford partition – working together on the island is the best way to secure our future, and deliver the change that we do badly need and deserve.”